Roger Federer vs Novak Djokovic final seems to be on the cards, as the Swiss ace is set to face Borna Coric, while the Serbian will meet Tomas Berdych in the semis of the Dubai Open. But both the top seeds need to win their respective matches to fight it out for the prestigious title.
It was Andy Murray who was expected to meet Federer in the semis of the competition, but Coric had some other plans, as he brushed off competition from the Scot, as Murray lost the game in straight sets, 1-6 and 3-6.
This has to be one of Coric's finest victories in the ATP circuit, as Murray has been one of the best players in the circuit alongside Djokovic, Federer and Rafael Nadal in recent times.
One has to give credit where it is due, as the Croatian star looked in top form against the Scot, making Murray sweat it out in the middle. Even Murray praised Boric for his performance.
If he puts up a similar performance against Federer as well, it would be an interesting contest between the Croatian and the Swiss.
"He didn't make many errors," BBC quoted Murray as saying.
"He played very solid and he moved well. I made way too many mistakes from the beginning of the match right through to the end, early in rallies, rushing points."
But Coric is aware of the task that lies ahead of him in the semi-finals with Roger Federer on the other side of the court, who has made it a habit of winning the Dubai Open. He has won the elusive title six times in his professional career.
The Swiss ace put up a dominant display against Richard Gasquet in the quarters, before the Frenchman retired after losing the first set. The Swiss player won the first set 6-1.
The other semi-final between Djokovic vs Berdych could be a tough match up, as Berdych has played some tough matches in the competition, where he has been stretched to three sets twice.
But, his opponent, Djokovic has been very impressive where he has not lost a single set and looks set for a place in the final unless the Czech player comes up with a splendid performance to oust the Serbian, which looks unlikely.
Even history sides Djokovic to win the match, as the Serbian enjoys a 17-2 head to head record over the Czech.
Talking about his match up against Berdych, he said, "I try to move him around," as quoted in ATP's official website.
"He's a big guy and has a powerful game. Even though he moves better this year, he's still heavy, he's still big. That's where I try to use my opportunities from the back of the court and mix up the pace and not give him the same rhythm, because that's what he likes."
Where to Watch Live
Roger Federer Vs Borna Coric match is scheduled for 1:00 pm GMT( 6:30 pm IST and 8:00 am ET) start, which shall be followed by the second semi-final clash between Novak Djokovic Vs Tomas Berdych.
Viewers in India can watch it Live on Star Sports 4, while UK viewers can catch the action Live on Sky Sports 3.
Viewers in UAE can witness it Live on Al Jazeera and people in the USA can watch it Live on ESPN 3.
