Djokovic, Federer, Del Potro Dominate In Dubai; Nadal Stays On Course In Mexico

by Staff | February 28th, 2013, 12:56 am
  • 17 Comments

Former champions Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic eased into the quarterfinals at Dubai today. Federer breezed in a 6-3, 6-4 win over Marcel Granollers. The 31-year-old is a 5-time champion of the event which also happens to be played where he lives.

“I think I was sharper today,” said Federer. “I had a clearer plan. I knew what I could and couldn’t do. So that automatically carves out sort of the things you might want to attempt. I was a bit more confident overall. I knew what I wanted to do and I was able to do it, so I’m happy.”

Next for Federer tomorrow is a meeting with longtime rival Nikolay Davydenko. The Russian has beaten Federer just twice in 20 career meetings, but Federer isn’t one to underestimate his opponents.


“I’ll never disrespect a guy like Nikolay,” said Federer. “He’s done too much in the game. That’s why I know it’s a dangerous round next match. I know what he can do on his absolute best day because I was one of the guys that got crushed by him as well during that time. I expect him to come out and play that way.”

Top ranked Djokovic also had little trouble today dismissing Roberto Bautista Agut 6-1, 7-6(4). Djokovic, a three-time winner in Dubai, was broken while serving for the match at 5-3 in the second, but otherwise was pleased with the result.

“I think I played really, really well and at a high level throughout most of the match,” said Djokovic. “And then I had another poor game like yesterday towards the end, when I needed to close it out with a few match points. At 5-4 he served well, he fought his way through, and I have to give them credit for that. He’s a great competitor. I never played against him, so I didn’t know really what to expect. But generally I’m feeling quite confident on the court, which is a good thing.”

Perfect on the year, Djokovic has won 15 straight matches and 25 of his last 26, losing just to Sam Querrey in Paris.

Also advancing were Juan Martin Del Potro, Tomas Berdych and Andreas Seppi who now faces Novak.

In Acapulco, it was an easy day for the top two Spaniards. David Ferrer pounded Wayne Odesnik 6-2, 6-1 and later it was Rafael Nadal’s turn to lay a whooping and he did just that hammering Martin Alund 6-0, 6-4. Nicolas Almagro was is still to finish.


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17 Comments for Djokovic, Federer, Del Potro Dominate In Dubai; Nadal Stays On Course In Mexico

Michael Says:

I was able to get a glimpse of that magical Roger when I watched him against Granollers. That backhand was working and firing all clyinders. He was able to hit winners from impossible angles and that is what we expect from Roger – Fabulous Tennis and he delivered it. If he continues in this form, he can win it for a record sixth time. Let us hope for the best !!


jane Says:

Nole looks fabulous versus Seppi thus far: return and forehand are on song and he’s using the net well.

In his matches he has been playing really strong in the first sets but then less so in the second, so we’ll see if that pattern repeats; it could be that the opponent finds his range in the second set too.


courbon Says:

@Jane-He did played well.Tomorrow is a real test


jane Says:

^ Agree courbon. Nole will have to play his best against Delpo. Today every aspect of his game was good,except the serve; he isn’t getting in as many first serves as I’d like to see. Luckily he’s only defending semifinal points here, though – not the title. So we’ll see!


The Great Davy Says:

What can I do. Someone help. How do I milk the GOAT if he plays like this???


Ben Pronin Says:

The Dubai semifinals are absolutely mouth-watering.

Nadal seems to be gaining some steam.

What is going on in Delray Beach? Is that ATP live scores messed up or were no matches played yesterday?


courbon. Says:

No matches played yesterday at Delray Beach because of the rain


Tennis Vagabond Says:

I second Ben, can’t wait for the Dubai semis, first great tennis since Oz.


Daniel Says:

And they all won in excelent fashion, with the worts set beign DelPo 6-4.

I think we’ll have a Fedovic. We were expecting them in AO, will get it in Dubai.


Humble Rafa Says:

Birdshit,

Your turn. Time to do your thing and get ready for the big choke in the final.


alison Says:

I hope we get some cracking semis tomorrow,and hoping for a Nole/Roger final,however aside from Berdych i wont really care who wins the title as i like all the players,but i dont have any emotional investment in any particular player,so i will be able to enjoy it as a neutral.


Chichiback Says:

@michael: I feel the same.
Hope for a great final. Good that all top 4 seeds are there.


Alok Says:

DelPo has got to be tired. he’s played a lot of tennis recently and had some problems when he played baghdatis. He nearly lost the match but baggy choked, and Delpo pulled out the win.

I don’t think JMDP has much left in the tank for the SF match against Djkovic. Fed on the other hand, played well against Davy but Berdych is also looking good. I hope T-Berd does not get the win so that Fed can at least make the final. The trophy is djokovic’s but I’m still hoping Fed will get some break opportunities and CONVERT. That’s been his problem more times than not when he’s played Djokovic, failure to convert. WTF is an example.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Some good tennis from both Roger and Novak. Saw Berd’s match. He looks to be pretty good too. If Roger serves good, he can take the match. But I hope he continues his attacking style of tennis against Berdych too. If he can do that, it would be an interesting match. Still I believe Berdych would go as a slight favorite in this match.

Novak seems to be at a totally different level. I don’t see any of the remaining guys could even come close to him. It would be a big upset if anyone can beat Novak in this form.


Giles Says:

It’s a shame Murray is not playing Dubai. He could have brought this tournament to life. Pretty boring so far, JMO


Polo Says:

The Dubai tournament would be pretty telling about how Federer will do the rest of the year when Djokovic is in the field.


John Says:

Nice win for Birdych, but I hate the guy.Hope Djokovic squashes him. I still don’t see berdych beating Fed on a slower court. Will see…

Damn I suppose age is really Finally getting hold of Fed. That Match should of been his.

Go Djokovic!

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