Roger Federer reaches the quarters in Dubai after edging a dangerous Fernando Verdasco in the 2nd round.
Ranked no.32, the Spaniard is not having a fantastic moment, and he got to the 2nd round in Dubai after winning an awkward match against Thomas Fabbiano after he was 1 set and a break down. However, Fernando is well known to be extremely dangerous when he has confidence, and he is tuned in.
The match
Roger tried to intimidate Verdasco with a strong start. In fact, the Swiss sensation managed to get an early break in the 3rd game of the opening set (2-1) before consolidating the lead (3-1) and win a relatively easy opener 6-3.
Roger’s problems started in the 2nd set after he couldn’t convert a break point in the very first game. That gave the confidence to the Spaniard to storm back, break Roger and gather a 3-0 lead that was enough for him to win the second set 6-3 after conceding only 2 points on serve for the rest of the set (Federer was also a bit sloppy on return).
The 3rd set was extremely dangerous for Federer since Fernando’s momentum didn’t fade. Verdasco conceded just 4 points in the first 3 service games (won at 30,15, and 15), but he imploded in the 4th one during the “crunch time.” Roger played an extremely sharp break point to conquer the decisive break and later win 6-3 3-6 6-3.
It was very tricky
“It was very tricky.I think he got off to a slow start especially on his serve. That was the story of the first set.
I think he was starting playing much better in the second set. I might have had a few chances there but he was really able to raise his game, and for some reason, I couldn’t stay with him.
The third set is always going to be a close one when you can’t get a break in the first couple of games. So I’m really happy the end was strong. The last few games were great. The crowd got really excited, and that makes me very happy.”
Next vs. Fucsovic
Roger will face Marton Fucsovic in the quarters. The head to head is 1-0 for Federer.
TO THE QUARTERS
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