HALLE, Germany — Top-seeded Roger Federer moved closer to a record eighth title at the Gerry Weber Open by beating Ernests Gulbis 6-3, 7-5 on Wednesday to reach the quarterfinals.
Federer produced flowing grass-court tennis. After fending off the only two breaks points he faced in the third game, one break for 4-2 was enough to give him the first set. Federer was in brief trouble when he served consecutive double-faults but held for 4-4. Gulbis double-faulted to give Federer a 6-5 lead and Federer served out the match.
Third-seeded Tomas Berdych eased past teenager Borna Coric 6-3, 6-2, while Florian Mayer beat Steve Johnson 6-5, 7-6 (4) and will play Federer in the quarters.
Eighth-seeded Ivo Karlovic fired 21 aces to beat wild card Alexander Zverev 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-3.