Halle (Germany), June 16 (IANS): Roger Federer prevailed against top German Philipp Kohlschreiber 7-6(8), 3-6, 7-6(5) in a tricky first-round match in the Gerry Weber Open tennis tournament here.

In their fourth meeting at the German grass-court tournament, Federer saved two set points in the opening set tie-break before capitalising on his second set point opportunity on Monday.

Kohlschreiber saved two match points in the tenth game of the third set and took the mini-break to go up 3-2 in the decisive tie-break, but seven-time champion Federer came back strong, winning the final three points to clinch the victory after two hours and 11 minutes.

“Of course, it’s not a nice draw but you have to take it how it comes,” said Kohlschreiber after the match on Monday.

“I had a great plan in my mind how to play against him. I mentioned before that his first grass court match could be a little bit tricky. I had my chances but I think at the end we both played very good level on both sides, in the crucial moments, he made the better decisions in this case.”

“I’m very relieved,” said Federer after the match.

“Philipp served at 5-4 in the (third set) tie-break. It’s rough on grass, it takes two serves and maybe that’s it.”

“I wasted two match points at 5-4, 15/40 and then saved a break point at five-all, so it was a roller-coaster ride in the end. My nerves are still going a bit crazy right now,” the World No.2 said.