Federer, Hewitt ease into Halle semifinals

HALLE, Germany : Roger Federer remains on course for a sixth Gerry Weber Open title after he defeated Germany's No. 1 Philipp Kohlschreiber 7-5, 6-3 on Friday to book his place in the semifinals.

Federers 28th consecutive victory on Center Court of the Gerry Weber Stadion set up a tie with Philipp Petzschner tomorrow and left the No. 1 seed undefeated at Germanys only grass-court tournament since 2002.    

It took the second-ranked Federer just over an hour to assert his superiority against Kohlschreiber.

"This is further proof that I am in good shape," he said.

"I am playing well in all areas, I am serving great so I have no complaints."

With Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal both losing at Queen's on Friday, Federer had even more reason to smile as he prepares for the semifinals and, perhaps, Sundays final where he can gain even more match practice on grass.    

"Who would have guessed that they would all be out before the semis?" he asked. "If they are not playing any more matches, then they wont be getting any momentum. You dont have much time to get fit on grass so its certainly a missed opportunity for them on this surface.    

"If you go out of Queen's or here early, then there is only really Wimbledon left. But Im sure it will only take a few days for it to sink in and then they will be back up to speed come Wimbledon. I have to think about myself and I am happy with the way I am playing."    

Federer will play Petzschner of Germany in the last four and he is not taking his next opponent lightly.

"He will have the fans behind him and the euphoria can lift you so its not going to be an easy match," Federer predicted.

"He has beaten some good opponents here, varies his game well, can move well and he has a good serve. He has all the weapons that you need to break into the top 50."

The 26-year-old Petzschner knows what lies in wait despite never having played against Federer before.

"He is the most complete player and has the best serve and moves incredibly well," Petzschner said.

The other semifinal will be contested between Lleyton Hewitt, the only other remaining seed in the tournament, and another German player, Benjamin Becker.

Eighth-seeded Hewitt defeated Andreas Beck 7-6 (0), 6-1 while Becker got the better of compatriot Mischa Zverev 7-6 (4), 6-0.

"I am happy with where I am at the moment," Hewitt said.