Top-seeded Roger Federer cruised in the tiebreakers to beat German qualifier Florian Mayer 7-6 (2), 7-6 (1) for a place in the Mercedes Cup semifinals on Friday.

Federer struggled in some parts of the match but was at his best when most needed. He saved a set point to force the second tiebreaker, and fired a powerful forehand to clinch the match.

"I am very happy to have made it two sets,'' Federer said.

His next opponent will be rising star and 3-seed Dominic Thiem, who beat Federer in the third round of the Italian Open before the No. 1 seed went on a monthlong break that included the French Open because of a back injury.

Thiem, from Austria, came from behind to beat Mikhail Youzhny of Russia, 3-6, 6-4, 7-5.

Federer fired 15 aces to gain his 1,072nd win on the tour, surpassing Ivan Lendl for second place in the Open era behind Jimmy Connors with 1,256.

"It's crucial to serve well in a tiebreaker,'' Federer said. Two months shy of his 35th birthday, Federer is looking for his first title of the year following knee surgery and the back problem.

"It's good to be back and to win two matches,'' he said.

Thiem, a semifinalist at the French Open, said he was surprised to find himself at the same stage on grass.

"I really didn't expect it. But against Roger on grass, I'm not expecting anything,'' Thiem said.

Seventh-seeded Philipp Kohlschreiber beat qualifier Radek Stepanek 6-4, 7-5 and will face Juan Martin del Potro in the other semifinal.

Del Potro, who is coming back gradually from wrist surgery, overcame fourth-seeded Gilles Simon 6-7 (3), 6-3, 6-0.

Source:
courtesy of ESPN

by Associated Press

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