Roger Federer through to semifinals at the Gerry Weber Open

Roger Federer plays a backhand in his win over Florian Mayer

Roger Federer put in another master class to advance to yet another semifinal at the Gerry Weber Open. Federer beat Florian Mayer 6-0, 7-6 (1) and is now two match wins away from a record eighth title in Halle.

Mayer was full of nerves in the opening set as Federer broke the German’s serve thrice to lead by a set in just 18 minutes.

"I was too nervous in the beginning. You look over and you see him there radiating confidence. He gave me no chance," Mayer said.

The second set was tight with both players serving well. Federer failed to convert a break point opportunity at 4-4 and the set went to a tie-break. It was all Federer in the breaker as he jumped to a 6-1 lead before closing out the match with a backhand passing shot.

This is Federer’s 11th straight semifinal appearance in Halle. He will face Ivo Karlovic next, who hit a record 45 aces in his three sets win over Tomas Berdych.

Gael Monfils had to retire in his match against Andreas Seppi after crashing into the sideboards in the second set. No. 2 seed Kei Nishikori advanced to the semifinal courtesy 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 win over Jerzy Janowicz.

Semifinal Lineup:

Roger Federer Vs Ivo Karlovic

Kei Nishikori Vs Andreas Seppi