Roger Federer survives another blip in Dubai, but Kei Nishikori falls

Second seed Roger Federer once again required three sets to advance at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, this time against Fernando Verdasco.
After going the distance against Philipp Kohlschreiber on Monday, seven-time champion Federer again had to work for his win as he beat the Spaniard 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 to notch up his 50th win in Dubai.
It also meant he kept his unbeaten record against Verdasco as he now leads their head-to-head 7-0.
50TH WIN IN DUBAI 🎉@rogerfederer makes it a 7-0 record vs Verdasco and notches a half-century of wins at #DDFTennis 👏 pic.twitter.com/KzNuOFzYUx
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 27, 2019
Federer, who will face Marton Fucsovics in the quarter-final, broke once in the first set and Verdasco returned the favour in set two before the Swiss claimed the crucial break in game eight of the decider.
Top seed Kei Nishikori crashed to a 7-5, 5-7, 6-2 defeat at the hands of world No 77 Hubert Hurkacz.
Hubi: Fully Loaded 🙌
Hubert Hurkacz gets a first Top 10 win, knocking No.1 seed Nishikori out of #DDFTennis! pic.twitter.com/dMVynGQXxS
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 27, 2019
“I didn’t play perfect today, but I think he was playing good serves, better than I thought,” Nishikori said.
“With this wind and this surface, it’s not easy. I didn’t serve well when I wanted to.
“He played well in the important games, I didn’t make many first serves when I wanted to… that cost me some important points.”
Next up for Pole Hurkacz is fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas after the Greek beat Egor Gerasimov 6-3, 6-1.
Easy does it! @StefTsitsipas sets up a QF clash with Hubert Hurkacz after racing past Gerasmiov 6-3 6-1. #DDFTennis pic.twitter.com/L6yzmIkMAb
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 27, 2019
Rotterdam Open champion Gael Monfils, who beat third seed Marin Cilic in the first round, continued his excellent form as he secured a 6-3, 6-2 win over Marcos Baghdatis to earn a quarter-final date against Ricardas Berankis, who was a 6-4, 6-1 winner over Denis Kudla.
More from Tennis365:
-
-
Top 10 players with most singles titles: Where do Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal rank?
-
Exclusive: Fed Cup stars could inspire rise of British women’s tennis, says Jeremy Bates
-
Tennis betting preview: 12/1 Stefanos Tsitsipas to take down Dubai
-
QUIZ! Can you identify these ATP 250 tournaments by logos alone?
-
-
Latest
-
Tennis News
Roger Federer sends his fans into a frenzy with Twitter post ahead of his return to action
Roger Federer fans are counting down to his return to action in Doha next week and his tweet teasing his return instantly became a big hit.
-
Tennis News
Iga Swiatek’s perfect week as she claims her second WTA title
Iga Swiatek won her second career WTA title with victory over Belinda Bencic in the final of the Adelaide International.
-
News
Jamie Murray says quarantine threat on tour means players must be ready to adapt
The doubles specialist plans to travel to tournaments in Mexico and Miami next month without knowing what to expect on arrival.
-
Tennis News
Battle of the Brits event is back and this time with spectators
The Battle of the Brits events were a huge success during the Covid-19 crisis and now they are set to return with spectators.
-
Tennis Features
The only way is up for Naomi Osaka as she looks to replicate hard-court success on clay and grass
Oli Jefford on the world being Naomi Osaka’s oyster.
-
Kevin Palmer
Britain’s strength in depth in doubles highlights quality of structure
British tennis may be wondering who can replace Andy Murray, but they have a very different story to tell in the doubles arena.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal pulls out of his next event due to ‘ongoing’ back problem
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the ABN…
-
Tennis News
Lleyton Hewitt to be inducted into International Tennis Hall Of Fame
Former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt is the latest player who will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
-
Tennis Features
Five of the best men’s matches at the Australian Open featuring Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rafael Nadal, and more
The matches that made us sit up and take note.
-
Australian Open
Five of the best women’s matches at Australian Open featuring Naomi Osaka vs Garbine Muguruza, and more
Five of the best women’s singles matches at the 2021 Aus Open.