Federer outlasts Verdasco in Dubai Tennis Championships

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Roger Federer outlasted Fernando Verdasco in three sets 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals at the Dubai Tennis Championships, remaining on track for a milestone 100th career title.

The Swiss Express claimed the first set 6-3 with ease but was derailed by the Spaniard in the second set. Verdasco caught the second seed flatfooted with a nice lob early in the second frame, on his way to leveling, 6-3.

The 37-year-old then came back in control and was on the verge of breaking his unseeded opponent in the eighth game of the third set. The 20-time Grand Slam winner effortlessly moved the man two years his junior across the baseline, before heading to the net for an easy crosscourt forehand, which left him 5-3 in front.

On match point, Verdasco's wide backhand gave the third to Federer 6-3.

The second seed will face Hungary's Marton Fucsovics for a spot in the last four.

Kei Nishikori of Japan returns the ball to Hubert Hurkacz (not pictured) of Poland during the ATP Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship in Dubai, February 27, 2019. /VCG Photo

Hubert Hurkacz stunned Kei Nishikori 7-5, 5-7, 6-2 to reach the quarter-finals. He stayed neck and neck with the Japanese top seed and broke twice before taking the first set 7-5.

Nishikori looked more like himself in the second, and with a cheeky drop shot he broke the 22-year-old and went 3-0 ahead, en route to leveling 7-5.

Hurkacz was dominant in the decider. Nishikori tried furiously to battle back in the eighth game, but the Pole's two-handed backhand got him closer to match point.

Nishikori then desperately attempted to prolong his stay in the UAE, but sailed a forehand long to give the frame to Hurkacz, 6-2. The Pole's three-set win set up a last eighth clash with fifth-seeded Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas.