HALLE, Germany, June 11 (UPI) -- World No. 1 Roger Federer defeated Frenchman Arnaud Clement Friday to advance to the semifinals of the Gerry Weber Open in Germany.
The top-seeded Swiss star won 6-3, 7-5 and will next play Jiri Novak of the Czech Republic in the grasscourt tournament, a prelude to Wimbledon which begins June 21. Novak beat Germany's Tommy Haas 6-4, 7-6 (7-1).
Second-seeded Rainer Schuettler of Germany won 6-3, 7-6 (7-2) over countryman Nicolas Kiefer and will play sixth-seeded American Mardy Fish, a 6-2, 6-2 winner over Fernando Verdasco of Spain, in the other semifinal.
"It really took some hard work," Federer said after his match with Clement. "I didn't feel too well physically, so it was good to keep the right mental focus ... I'm pleased with my performance."
Schuettler said he expects a battle against the 22-year-old Fish.
"He takes no prisoners," the German said. "He's very dangerous and it will all come down to whether I will be able to read his serve well or not."
