The nine-time champion will have to be on his toes early at Halle.
Roger Federer will get a chance to avenge one of his toughest defeats of the last few years at this year's Noventi Open in Halle. The Swiss opens up his bid for a 10th title at Germany's biggest grass-court event with a first-round clash with Aussie John Millman. Millman dealt the Swiss one of his most difficult losses of 2018 when he knocked off Federer in four grueling sets in the round of 16 at last year’s U.S. Open.
See the full Noventi Open draw below:
Roger Federer starts his grass season with a first-round battle with John Millman at @ATPHalle — full draw below. pic.twitter.com/m0wF0DKnVD
— TennisNow (@Tennis_Now) June 15, 2019
Federer could face Benoit Paire or Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the second round if he is able to get past Millman. Paire held two match points against Federer last season at Halle before falling 6-3 3-6 7-6(7). Tsonga owns six wins against Federer, including a five-set win over Federer at Wimbledon in 2011 in their only previous grass meeting.
Second-seeded Alexander Zverev opens with Robin Haase in the first round and could face Philipp Kohlschreiber next.
Kei Nishikori and Dominic Thiem have withdrawn from the event.
Defending champion Borna Coric is in Federer’s half of the draw this year. The Croatian will face Spain’s Jaume Munar in first-round action.
