Roger Federer wins 10th Halle title with victory over David Goffin

Roger Federer got his Wimbledon preparations off to the perfect start by claiming a record-extending 10th title at the Halle grass-court event.

The Swiss 20-time Grand Slam champion beat Belgium's David Goffin 7-6 (7-2) 6-1 to win a 102nd career title.

Federer, chasing a ninth Wimbledon title next month, was made to work in earlier rounds but dominated the final.

"It's unbelievable. I never thought when I first played here that I would win 10 titles," the 37-year-old said.

It is the first time Federer has reached double figures at one tournament, with eight at the Dubai Open and Wimbledon and nine at his home event in Basel.

This latest title comes after a French Open run in which he was defeated by eventual champion Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals.

And the Swiss said his and Nadal's success, as well as that of 15-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, limits opportunities for younger players.

"As long as me, Rafa and Novak are around it is not going to be easy for a young guy to come up and dominate," he said.

"Maybe it would be good for the sport if they did, I don't know. People seem to like it as it is."

Federer had been taken to three sets by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the last 16 and Roberto Bautista Agut in the quarter-finals at Halle.

But after a tight first set, he was handed a break in the first game of the second set when Goffin double-faulted on break point.