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Halle Open: Matthew Ebden Stands in Roger Federer’s Way

By Harry Floyd

PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 29: Matthew Ebden of Australia plays a forehand dyring the mens singles first round match against Thomas Fabbiano of Italy during day three of the 2018 French Open at Roland Garros on May 29, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 29: Matthew Ebden of Australia plays a forehand dyring the mens singles first round match against Thomas Fabbiano of Italy during day three of the 2018 French Open at Roland Garros on May 29, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
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The 2018 Halle Open sees its defending champion in the quarterfinals this week. Matthew Ebden has a chance to knock out the top seeded Roger Federer though.

Matthew Ebden faces tennis legend Roger Federer next at the 2018 Halle Open. The tournament is a familiar one for the Swiss superstar. He is the defending and nine-time champion at the ATP World Tour event. It appears as though the title is his to lose. Last year, he defeated Alexander Zverev in the finals. Zverev, who was ousted in the round of 32 this year, also finished runner-up in 2016. The young German does remain alive in the doubles side of the tournament.

Federer squares off against world number 60 Ebden next at the Halle Open.

The two tennis players have never faced one another. Despite Ebden being somewhat of a veteran himself, the 30-year-old is yet to play the Swiss star in an ATP singles match. While Federer is the heavy favorite, anything can happen in the quarterfinals. Ebden is coming off of a big win against German tennis veteran Philipp Kohlschreiber. The German tennis star was the sixth seed at the Halle Open this year. Federer went to three sets against French tennis player Benoît Paire in the round of 16. Fighting hard in the third set, he emerged on top.

Next: Nadal: All 11 RG Titles

Roger Federer seeks a tenth career singles title at the 2018 Halle Open. He is back on the ATP World Tour after skipping the clay court season.

Wimbledon is right around the corner and no-one knows that more than Federer. He is eyeing the Grand Slam and ought to be considered the favorite heading into the action. Especially with seeing his strong play since his return to the courts, he is the player to beat. Rafael Nadal, the King of Clay, took over per usual in Federer’s absence. A fantastic clay court season culminated with yet another French Open title. This week though, Federer must get past Ebden before he sets his sights on a title. The quarterfinals is shaping up to lead into a thrilling semis. Ebden remains in search of his first career ATP singles title.

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