A host of international tennis stars are participating in the Dubai Open, which includes Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Tomas Berdych amongst other top players from the ATP circuit.
Roger Federer cruised into the second round of the competition after defeating Mikhail Youzhny 6-3, 6-1. The Swiss ace is set to play Spaniard Fernando Verdasco, who defeated fellow countryman, Garcia Lopez.
Fedex stated that is tough to play in Dubai with quick conditions. "I think it was close in that first set." Federer told ATP's official website after his first round victory.
"I think we were both trying to find our range. I'm happy I didn't start to play too careful after it, because it is tough to play here in Dubai with the quick conditions. After that, I think I started to return much better. Serve got a bit more consistent. My half volleys were getting better. I was able to get the set and the break, and then that's when you can bring it home."
The multiple grand slam winner has been a huge success in the Dubai Open as he won the title in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2012 and 2014 and finished runners up twice.
With top stars such as Murray and Djokovic in the competition, it would take some doing for the Swiss star to clinch the title yet again.
Djokovic also progressed further after defeating Vasek Pospisil in straight sets, 6-4 and 6-4. After his splendid victory in the first grand slam of the year, Australian Open, the ongoing Dubai Open is his first competitive tournament ever since.
The player may have taken some time to get going, but once he struck the chord, there was no stopping the Serbian.
"It's my first match since the Australian Open final so I'm still looking for that rhythm on the court," Djokovic said, as quoted by AP.
"I managed to stay mentally tough, patient and as soon as I got into the rallies I had a better chance of winning."
Later tonight, the Serbian would face Andrey Golubev, who defeated Fabrice Martin 7-5 and 6-4.
Both the Swiss and the Serbian are favourites to lift the title. If they win all their matches en route to the finals, it would be a huge final with Federer taking on Djokovic in centre court.
Djokovic has won the competition four times as well in the past.
Where to Watch Live
Novak Djokovic vs Andrey Golubev second round clash is scheduled for 3:00 pm GMT( 8:30 pm IST and 10:00 am ET) start, which would be followed by Roger Federer Vs Fernando Verdasco clash.
Viewers in India can watch it Live on Star Sports 4, while UK viewers can catch the action Live on Sky Sports 3 HD.
Viewers in UAE can witness it Live on Al Jazeera and people in the USA can watch it Live on ESPN 3.
