BERLIN, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Borna Coric staged clinical performance against Roger Federer to win the 2018 Halle Open in three sets 7-6 (8-6), 3-6, 6-2 on Sunday.
The 21-year-old Croat handed Rafael Nadal the No. 1 after overcoming Federer in an impressive manner in two hours and seven minutes in the final. Hence, Coric foiled Federer's goal to win his 10th Halle title and 99th ATP title.
Federer ensured a bright start into the final, grabbing a 0-30 on Coric's opening game. However, Coric responded well and gained a foothold into the encounter.
The youngster continued faultless and denied Federer a break point to make it 6-5, forcing the Swiss into the tie-break. Federer grabbed a mini break but was unable to make the most of it. Coric punished Federer's wastefulness and reaped the tie-break 8-6.
Federer relentlessly started into the second set and broke Coric's serve to take a 5-3 lead. Thus, the eight-time Wimbledon champion made no mistake to reap the second set 6-3.
Coric remained unimpressed and played a strong third set, forcing Roger Federer to give away two serves.
With the surprising victory, Borna Coric secured his only second career title on the ATP tour.
"Borna played very good tennis. He played extremely consistent and made the crucial points. He definitely deserved to win this tournament," Federer said.
"It was a big thing for me to play against Roger. I hope we can compete in many more finals. I did not expect to win here," Coric said.
