Tennis news - Roger Federer battles through to last eight in Dubai
ByPA Sport
Updated 28/02/2019 at 08:47 GMT
Roger Federer continued to close in on his 100th career singles title after a three-set win over Fernando Verdasco at the Dubai Tennis Championships on Wednesday.
Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates after defeating Fernando Verdasco of Spain during day Eleven of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium on at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium February 27, 2019 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Image credit: Getty Images
The 37-year-old, who can become only the second man after Jimmy Connors to take his career title success into three figures, beat the Spaniard 6-3 3-6 6-3 to move into the quarter-finals.
Federer was forced to repel a strong fight-back from his opponent, who failed to convert a break point early in the deciding set before the Swiss star held his nerve to secure victory.
He told atptour.com: “I’m happy that I stayed calm throughout the game.
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Roger Federer of Switzerland in action against Fernando Verdasco of Spain during day Eleven of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium on at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium February 27, 2019 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Image credit: Getty Images
“I felt like I was having a good feeling out there. Even though I wasn’t playing my best, I still felt like it was going to fall my way when it really mattered.”
Federer will face Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics next after the world number 35 beat Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany 6-4 6-2.
But top seed Kei Nishikori crashed out after suffering a shock 7-5 5-7 6-2 defeat to Polish qualifier Hubert Hurkacz.
Hurkacz, the world number 77, had never previously beaten a top 10 player but responded superbly in the final set decider, closing out for victory after establishing a 4-1 lead.
The Pole will next face rising Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas who needed just 57 minutes to overcome Egor Gerasimov of Belarus 6-3 6-1.
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Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas celebrates
Image credit: Getty Images
Fresh from his recent tournament win in Rotterdam, Gael Monfils continued his fine form with a 6-3 6-2 win over Marcos Baghdatis, and will next face qualifier Ricardas Berankis, who beat Denis Kudla 6-4 6-1.
Sixth seed Borna Coric recovered from a nightmare first set to beat Tomas Berdych 1-6 6-1 7-6 (4), and Nikoloz Basilashvili was a 6-7 (2) 6-4 6-3 winner over Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut.
Argentinian third seed Guido Pella had no trouble progressing to the last eight as he won 90 per cent of his first-serve points in a 6-2 6-4 win over Roberto Carballes Baena, while compatriot Marco Trungelliti beat Thiago Seyboth Wild 6-4 7-5.
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