Roger Federer saves two match points to beat Benoit Paire in Halle

ByDan Quarrell

Updated 21/06/2018 at 17:08 GMT

Roger Federer had to save two match points before finally overcoming Benoit Paire 6-3 3-6 7-6(7) to reach the quarter-finals of ATP Halle.

The Swiss continued his Wimbledon preparations with the tough victory, which demanded that he come through a deciding set tie-break.

Federer fended off the brace of match points to deny the Frenchman a memorable surprise win and eventually won the breaker 9-7.

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Crucially, had Federer lost to Paire, Rafael Nadal would have secured the world number one ranking before and after Wimbledon.

Roger Federer and Benoît Paire

Image credit: Getty Images

The 36-year-old Swiss extended his winning run on grass to 18 matches and must triumph in Halle with a record-extending 10th title to remain at the top of the world rankings.

He will next take on Australian Matthew Ebden in the last eight, competing in Halle at a career high ranking of 60, who rallied from a set down to beat local hope Philipp Kohlschreiber 4-6 6-1 6-2.

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