Roger Federer survives Philipp Kohlschreiber scare to advance in Gerry Weber Open

Roger Federer plays a backhand in his win over Philipp Kohlschreiber in the opening round

World No. 2 Roger Federer was less than impressive in his 7-6 (8), 3-6, 7-6 (5) win over Philipp Kohlschreiber in the opening round of the Gerry Weber Open.

The Swiss maestro is looking for a record eighth title in Halle and expressed his displeasure about the draw.

"We were not happy with the draw," Federer said. "He could have won today and would have deserved it. I was lucky, although I'd already been thinking that this may not be my day."

The top seed had a first serve percentage of 72% for the match and converted just one of four break point opportunities. The German had taken only one set off Federer in their eight previous meetings. After losing a tight first set in a breaker, Kohlscreiber came back in the second set beautifully with some outstanding winners on both sides of the court.

Federer pulled off some amazing shots including a behind-the-back shot. The usually calm Federer was irritated by a late challenge by Kohlschreiber and hit a volley wide to drop serve in the second set. The Swiss netted his backhand on set point to lose the second set.

Federer wasted two match point chances at 5-4 off the German’s serve and was in deep trouble in the tie-breaker down 3-5. Two missed chances and a couple of unforced errors by Kohlschrieber helped Federer eke out a close victory.

"I know him well, we practice together, we know each other's game," Federer said. "The first round on grass is always difficult and complicated."

Federer will play the winner of the match between Ernests Gulbis and Sergiy Stakhocsky in the next match.

In other first round matches, Borna Coric beat American Donald Young 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. Alejandro Falla got the better of Lukas Lacko 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, while Florian Mayer overcame Jan-Lennard Struff 6-2, 0-6, 7-6 (4).

Youngster Alexander Zverev beat qualifier Jarkko Nieminen 6-4, 6-4.