Roger Federer's bid to win a ninth Halle Open title was ended in the semi-finals on Saturday by teenage German Alexander Zverev, who defeated the 17-time Grand Slam champion 7-6 5-7 6-3.
Reigning champion Federer, on the comeback trail after back problems, was looking to reach the final of his traditional pre-Wimbledon tune-up in Germany for an unprecedented 11th time, but found the big-serving 19-year-old home favourite too formidable.
The Swiss world No 3 had not lost to a teenager for nearly 10 years since the young Andy Murray beat him in Cincinnati in 2006, which gives an indication of Zverev's considerable potential.
World No 38 Zverev, who had lost to Federer in their only previous meeting in May, dropped just four points on serve in the 39-minute opening set, blasting 14 winners as he took the tiebreak 7-4.
Federer earned a break of serve at 5-5 with a beautiful dropshot in the second set to restore parity but Zverev responded strongly to dethrone the reigning Halle champion.
Zverev will meet Florian Mayer in the final after the German game through his semi-final match with Dominic Thiem 6-3 6-4.
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