Federer v Zverev for Halle title

Berlin - Roger Federer, chasing a ninth title at the Halle grass court tournament, despatched Russian Karen Khachanov 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) on Saturday to move into the final.

The world number five, building up to an assault on an eighth Wimbledon title in July, will now face German fourth seed Alexander Zverev who saw off France's Richard Gasquet 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.

Federer, 35, has yet to drop a set in Halle, where he was playing his 13th consecutive semi-final.

"I thought it was extremely close, especially that second set. I'm still just very happy how I was able to close it out in the tiebreaker," said Federer who first reached the Halle final in 2003.

Federer defeated Zverev's older brother Mischa in the second round this week.

However, he was defeated by Alexander Zverev in three sets in the semi-finals at Halle in 2016.

Results from the ATP tournament in Halle on Saturday (x denotes seeding):

Semi-finals

Roger Federer (SUI x1) bt Karen Khachanov (RUS) 6-4, 7-6 (7-5)

Alexander Zverev (GER x4) bt Richard Gasquet (FRA) 4-6, 6-4, 6-3