Djokovic, Federer enter Dubai open quarters
Dubai, February 26
World No 1 Novak Djokovic and second seed Roger Federer have entered the quarterfinals of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships here.
Top seed Djokovic clearly dominated Andrey Golubey from Kazakhstan before winning 6-1, 6-2 Wednesday, while World No.2 Federer defeated Spain's Fernando Verdasco 6-4, 6-3, reports Xinhua.
"Djoker" as his fans call the Serbian superstar nevertheless paid respect to his opponent, saying after the match that "Andrey played well and strong." Seventeen-time Grand Slam champion Federer met stiff resistance against World No 31 Verdasco at the beginning of the first set. The Spaniard managed to lead 4-1 against the Swiss, but Federer turned the match mostly with his signature play, his strong forehand. Verdasco was in particular weak in his first and second serves.
"I managed to build momentum and reduced mistakes I did at the start of the game," said Federer.
Federer will play Thursday against Richard Gasquet from France, while Djokovic will face Marsel Ilhan from Turkey. — IANS
