Roger Federer extended his winning streak on grass to 29 matches with a three-set victory over Marat Safin in the final of the Gerry Weber Open in Halle.

The Swiss world number one, the two-time defending champion at Halle and Wimbledon, edged out Safin 6-4 6-7 (6/8) 6-4 to stretch his unbeaten run as he prepares for an assault on a third title at SW19.

"Those are great figures but what matters most to me is the fact that I have not lost any of my last 20 finals," Federer said afterwards.

"Finals are the most important matches and I'm glad I have performed so well."

Federer won 12 of the first 15 points, including Safin's first service game, but the Russian broke back in the fifth game.

Federer broke his opponent again in the final game of the first set, with Safin smashing his racket in anger following two sloppy mistakes.

The top seed saved two break points in the second set but Safin eventually clinched it in the breaker.

In the decider, Federer broke in the third game and held his own delivery the rest of the way to seal victory.

"I could not have played any better," Safin admitted.

"I cannot remember playing that well in recent years but there is no stopping Roger. It was a great match and I enjoyed it."