Federer Into Quarterfinals at ATP Halle

The two-time defending Halle champion pumped himself up in the second set, screaming triumphantly as he hit a forehand pass to bring things back on serve before closing out the match.

"I think I've made a good transition from clay to grass," said Federer, who won his 26th consecutive grasscourt match, struggling despite the sub-par competition thus far. "I have more confidence, I am more secure in my game. Even when I was down a break twice today I felt secure."

Mayer said the second set turn-around showed the Swiss is vulnerable.

"Two breaks, that should be enough on grass to win the set," said Mayer who choked away the lead. "But one game was a gift from me, two double faults. Those were my only double faults but they came at a bad time."

Other winners into the quarterfinals Thursday were (4) Guillermo Canas (d. (Q) Zimonjic), wildcarded former No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero (d. (WC) Waske in three), and local favorite Rainer Schuettler (d. (Q) D.Norman).

On tap for the Friday quarterfinals in Halle are (1) Federer vs. Kohlschreiber (first meeting), (WC) Ferrero vs. (7) Haas (Spaniard leads meetings 3-0, all on clay), Rainer "Shine" Schuettler vs. (4) Canas (German leads 1-0), and Olivier "The Roach" Rochus vs. (2) Safin (Russian leads 4-1).