rogerfederer.com - Fourth title in Halle

Fourth title in Halle

Roger has entered the hall of fame with two more records. He earned a 6-0, 6-7 (4), 6-2 victory over fifth-seeded Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic in today's final in Halle to win his fifth title of 2006. Bouncing back from last week's French Open loss in style, he captured the Gerry Weber Open crown for a fourth straight time - the first athlete ever to have achieved that. He also won his 41st straight match on grass, tying the Open-era record set by the legendary Björn Borg from 1976-81.

«That certainly is an impressive number, but it does not mean very much to me. But I am certainly glad to have achieved this,» Roger commented. His last defeat on grass now lies four years back - against Mario Ancic in the first round in Wimbledon.

Roger improved to 49-4 for the year, including 5-4 in finals. Each of the losses came against Rafael Nadal, including last Sunday's setback in the French Open final. That loss came on clay, Nadal's favorite surface. Grass, though, is clearly Roger's playground. He is the three-time defending Wimbledon champ and now appears ready for the third Grand Slam event of the year, which is set to begin on June 26 in London. And things do look good, as in the past Roger has always gone on to capture the title in Wimbledon after having won Halle.

Roger improved to 3-1 lifetime against Berdych, winning the past three meetings after the Czech beat him at the 2004 Athens Olympics.