When Roger Federer crushed Alexander Zverev 6-1, 6-3 at the Gerry Weber Open final on Sunday, the idea that that a record eight Wimbledon title could be within the Swiss Maestro’s grasp became that little bit more believable.

With Novak Djokovic struggling, Andy Murray still searching for consistency and Rafael Nadal’s poor recent record in SW19, Federer’s chances of Grand Slam success in London have suddenly widened more than he could ever have imagined.

In his 11th final in Halle, the inspired Swiss produced his best performance of the week, playing with the freedom, accuracy, and speed which saw him lift the Australian Open and Sunshine Double trophies earlier this season.

And judging by the appreciation shown by the crowd during the award ceremony, many tennis fans still feel just privileged to be watching this great champion achieving supreme success in the autumn of his career, even if it means beating their home favorite on the way.

In Halle, it was the final everybody dreamed of. Master against the pupil. Legend against the young pretender. Record title holder against the local star.

However, Federer wasn’t fazed by the big build-up or in any mood for sentiments, as he came out of the traps like a greyhound at the racetrack, winning the first seven points and breaking his young opponent to love in the first game. Indeed, by 22 minutes in, the Australian Open champion had already taken the opening set after two further breaks of Zverev’s serve.

The German appeared shell-shocked and helpless as he sat in his seat looking towards his team in desperation. The early stages of the second set, however, did for a part, represent something of an improvement for Zverev, as he held his first two service games.

But the slight momentum didn’t last long because, at 3-2, Federer returned brilliantly to force Zverev into submission once again. With the break, the 35-year-old then served out his last two service games with the ultimate simplicity to clinch his ninth title in Halle.

“I was doubting myself a little bit,” said Federer to atpworldtour. com. “I must admit, because losing (in the first) round for the first time in 15 years on grass was always going to shake me a little bit and it did. So, I'm happy to react right away and let that be forgotten and actually move on and remind myself I actually can play well on grass.”

“It's a boost for me personally, with my confidence, knowing that my body is in good shape. Mentally, I'm fresh again and I've gotten used to match play.”

Zverev was appearing in his second final in Halle, and buoyed by his victory over Djokovic in Rome last month, would have been fancying his chances of pulling off a surprise against his idol. Yet the 20-year-old could only hold his hands up at the end and accept the masterclass he had just been served.

“I think Roger is playing really, really well,” said the two-time Halle finalist. “I think going into Wimbledon, he's going to be probably the favorite to win the whole thing. So, credits to him, he played an unbelievable match. Of course, I could have played better but he didn't really let me play my best tennis. He messed with the ball a lot. He played very aggressive. I think he deserved to win.”