The world number three, who dropped out of last month's French Open, had little trouble swatting aside Tunisia's Malek Jaziri, 6-3, 7-5, and next faces Belgium's David Goffin.
Federer, who is in the twilight of a sparkling career and turns 35 in August, is chasing a ninth title in Halle, Germany.
He has yet to win a title in 2016, his longest drought to start a year since he went title-less in 2000.
"I was happy to come through a tough match because I thought he's tough to play against. I struggled to read his technique, the way he gets into the ball I can't really tell where he goes and I remember that from the last time I played him in Dubai, I remembered there was something but not until I got on the court. So, it was tough. I think he's a good player.
Goffin set up the meeting with Federer after Ukraine's Sergiy Stakhovsky retired from their clash when trailing 4-6, 7-5, 2-0.
Federer leads Goffin 4-0 in their career head-to-heads, including a 6-2, 6-1, 6-4 win in this year's Australian Open fourth round. Also into the next round is home hope Philipp Kohlschreiber, the eighth seed, who beat Ivo Karlovic of Croatia 6-7 (7/9), 6-4, 7-5.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
