Roger Federer two wins from 100th title after reaching Dubai semis

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Roger Federer moved to within two wins of a 100th career title on Thursday after coming through a tough test in difficult conditions against Marton Fucsovics to reach the Dubai Championships semifinals.

The seven-time champion beat his Hungarian opponent 7-6 (8/6), 6-4 in conditions which were far from comfortable with gusting winds and brief rain delays.

"You just go out there and try your best. Sometimes you get in the lead, sometimes you don't. It was important not to get down in the score early on," Federer said.

"It was tricky. A couple of rain delays, especially one at 5-all, coming back with sort of no preparation.

"The energy of the body, the adrenaline, tactics, all that stuff kind of fades away just a little bit in those rain delays.

"We made the most of it, the tie-breaker was tough. I'm happy I found a way to get out of that one. That was an exciting match, to say the least."

The 20-time Grand Slam winner will face Borna Coric after the Croatian sixth seed defeated Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7/1).

If Federer wins an eighth title in Dubai, he will become the second player to win 100 singles titles after Jimmy Connors, who won 109. /VCG Photo

"You look at the score at home and it looks like an easy straight set," said Federer.

"But it is so close, you can never underestimate anyone. I'm very happy with my level. It was tough with the wind, but it's a challenge and that's why I'm here."

Federer had to save two set points in an opener which lasted for just over an hour.

He then got into his rhythm but needed a big effort to break on his fifth chance of the ninth game of the second set, taking a 5-4 lead before serving it out on his second match point.

Earlier on Thursday, fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas reached the last four as he defeated Hubert Hurkacz 7-6 (7/4), 6-7 (1/7), 6-1 and set up a meeting with Gael Monfils.

France's Monfils, who will return to the world top 20 on Monday, battled into the semifinals with a 6-1, 6-7 (3/7), 6-2 win over qualifier Ricardas Berankis.

Source(s): AFP