Roger Federer began his quest for a ninth Gerry Weber Open title against German wildcard Jan-Lennard Struff on Wednesday in Halle.

Federer has had unheralded success at this tournament, going through a period from 2003-2010 where he was 29 games unbeaten.

Here against Struff he was made to work for his opening service game.

The World No.3 broke the German and then finished off the set 6-4.

A back injury and knee surgery in February have severely curtailed Federer's year, but the omens are good for the forthcoming Wimbledon Championships as he aims for his eighth title there.

Federer never faced a break point and fired 15 aces on his way to a 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) victory.

He will play Tunisia's Malek Jaziri in the next round.

2011 champion Philipp Kohlschreiber also got off to a winning start in Halle with his third straight victory over Spain's Marcel Granollers, coming through 6-2, 7-6 (7-4) for a place in the second round.

The German will play there the big-serving Croat Ivo Karlovic.