It also means that Federer, with 17 Grand Slam titles, still remains without a title in a year marred by knee surgery and a back injury that forced him to miss the French Open.
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Westward from them, Florian Mayer had an unbelievable week in Halle, defeating young Alexander Zverev 6-2 5-7 6-3 in all-German final, in what is only the second ATP title for the 32-year-old.
Holder Federer, on the comeback trail after back problems, was looking to reach the final of his traditional pre-Wimbledon tune-up in Germany for an unprecedented 11th time, but found the big-serving 19-year-old home favourite too formidable.
Zverev couldn’t repeat his game that he showed against Federer yesterday, losing his second final in a month, previously being beaten by Dominic Thiem in Nice.
As Zverev bids for his maiden career title, Mayer plays his sixth final and first in almost five years as he targets a second ATP title after Bucharest in September 2011.
There was less drama in the second semi-final as world number nine Raonic took just 62 minutes to see off Tomic, booking his first Queen’s final appearance and his third ATP Tour final of the year.
“There have been many great players over the years who have played here so if I can do better than them and win a fifth title, then it is a good sign, but I’m certainly not taking anything for granted”, Murray said.
Should Zverev win it will be the first career title of his fledgling career.
Andy Murray moved a step closer to a record fifth Queen’s Club title as the defending champion battled into the final with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 victory over Marin Cilic Saturday.
Murray had to hold off a break point before holding for 2-1 in the second set but Cilic finally earned a break to lead 4-3.
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Keys faces 30th-ranked Barbora Strycova in the final after the Czech beat CoCo Vandeweghe of the United States 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 to make her second final in this tournament in three years.
