HALLE, Germany (AP) — Top-seeded Roger Federer eased into the quarter-finals of the Gerry Weber Open by beating Alejandro Falla of Colombia, 6-1, 6-2, yesterday.

The Swiss player needed just 52 minutes to overcome Falla, and will play Philipp Kohlschreiber in the last eight after the German’s 6-4, 7-5 victory over Federer’s countryman Marco Chiudinelli.

Germany’s Benjamin Becker, world ranked 52nd, caused an upset when he knocked out the second-seeded Nikolay Davydenko of Russia, 6-3, 6-4.

Becker, who next faces compatriot Mischa Zverev, ensured there are five Germans in the last eight.

Zverev, ranked 145 in the world, had earlier conquered sixth-seeded Jurgen Melzer of Austria, the French Open semi-finalist, 3-6, 7-6 (2), 7-6 (3).

Federer, a five-time winner of the grass-court event in Halle, conceded just two break points in his second-round match on center court but saved both of them.

“I think I controlled the game and dominated at times,” he said.

“The result does not lie, to be honest. I was able to vary things well, play cleverly and I knew I would have chances on his serve, and I took them.”

Federer has not dropped a set against Falla from three meetings, and the statistic did not look under threat yesterday.

“It was not much of a battle, but you still have to concentrate a lot and make sure you vary things,” Federer said.

“It is more a matter of keeping your concentration than anything tactical or technical.”

Federer feels more will be required in the quarter-final against Kohlschreiber, the home favourite.

“It’s definitely going to be a tough game,” said world No 2 Federer.

“I know the strength of Philipp. He has not really shone a lot here yet, but the important thing is to go through.

“On grass, anybody has a chance. It was easy today, but whenever it gets to 2-2, 3-3, 4-4 or 5-5, it is not so easy to get through. He knows that and I know that.”

Federer also knows he cannot rely on the usual support he receives on centre court at the Gerry Weber Stadion.