Gerry Weber Open: Roger Federer wins his seventh title beating Alejandro Falla

Roger Federer claimed his seventh Gerry Weber Open title with a battling 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (7-3) victory over Colombian Alejandro Falla.

The Swiss made it through to his ninth final in 12 years at the German venue after dispatching Kei Nishikori, the fourth seed.

Falla, meanwhile, was in search of a first title on the ATP tour, having come from a set down to beat local favourite Philipp Kohlschreiber in their semi-final.

Federer, 32, went into Sunday's showdown holding a 6-0 record over the Colombian.

However, having been two-sets down against Falla in the first round of Wimbledon four years ago, there would be no complacency from the Swiss against the world No 69.

The first set proved a tight affair, although Federer missed the chance to close out on serve at 5-3, only for Falla to break back and eventually force the tie break.

The 17-time grand slam champion, though, did not waste another opportunity when he claimed five straight points from 2-2 to take the first set in 42 minutes.

Little margin

Falla, 30, continued to push Federer as there remained little margin for error in the second set, which also went locked at 6-6.

My big goal for the week was to collect the title, play good tennis and have fun. I've done that.

Federer forced an early mini-break on the first point and then took control at 3-0 when he came to the net to drive down a forehand.

The Swiss world No 4 remained in charge at 5-2 when he crashed in another big serve.

A wide passing shot down the line from Falla, which was upheld on review, handed three match points to Federer and the Swiss took the opportunity at the first time of asking to secure a 14th grass-court title.

"I've left a little bit of my heart there," Federer said after his ninth Halle final.

"My big goal for the week was to collect the title, play good tennis and have fun. I've done that."

Victory handed Federer his second success of the season following victory in Dubai in February as he continues his warm-up for Wimbledon in two weeks' time.

He will be head to the All England Club looking for an eighth title which would see the Swiss player eclipse Pete Sampras' post-open-era record.