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Roger Federer was forced to work hard for Fernando Verdasco before beating the Spanish veteran 6-3, 3-6 and 6-3 to reach the quarterfinals of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
But there was more drama after departure.
According to tennis reporter Jose Morgado, the match on the neighboring court of the tournament needed to be momentarily interrupted because of fans shouting for an autograph from the Swiss Maestro.
"The Berdych-Coric match has stopped because the fans are screaming so much for Federer when he's signing autographs," Morgado wrote.
"Crazy scenes."
Federer, who is trying to clinch his 100th ATP title, was drawn to three sets for the second time in other rounds but was eliminated in the decision for his 50th victory in Dubai.
"Even though I was not playing my best, I still felt like I was going to fall in my direction when it really mattered," said Federer, who could become the second man in the Open Era to win 100 titles after Jimmy Connors. ).
"I think the confidence is important.I'm happy to have played today … I played well in the end.I had the serve when I needed it, I had some good plays … it was good to win that way." "
The 20-time Grand Slam champion faces Hungarian Marton Fucsovics, who defeated Jan-Lennard Struff 6-4 6-2.
Earlier, Polish-born Hubert Hurkacz overcame Japan's Kei Nishikori 7-5, 5-7 and 6-2 in their first win over one of the top 10 players.
Hurkacz converted six of the seven break points to defeat his Japanese opponent in sixth place in just over two hours.
"Kei is an unbelievable player and I had to serve well, which gave me opportunities to attack after the serve and also to gain some easy points," said world number 77 Hurkacz. "Against such a good player, it's important to have a few free points, I was also coming back very well, the game was a bit up and down, but I'm happy with the win today."
Hurkacz scored a meeting with Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas after the Australian Open semi-finalist eliminated Egor Gerasimov 6-3 6-1.
Defending champion Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain made a tight first set against Nikoloz Basilashvili but failed when his Georgian opponent beat them 6-7 (7-2), 6-4, 6-3.
World number 116 Ricardas Berankis, who surprised eighth seed Daniil Medvedev on Tuesday, remained in good form with a 6-4 6-1 victory over American Denis Kudla.
The Lithuanian qualifier will face Frenchman Gael Monfils, who went through Marcos Baghdatis 6-3 6-2.
– with AAP
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