Federer returns with win over Kohlschreiber in Dubai

Roger Federer’s latest attempt to win his 100th ATP singles title made a shaky start at the Dubai Championships where he overcame Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-4 3-6 6-1.

Federer entered the first-round match with a 13-0 record against the German, and broke in the first game to run through the first set.

But Kohlschreiber forced a third set between them for just the third time, only for the former world No.1 to force an early break and cruise to victory.

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“(My thinking was to) just somehow get through. Somehow try not to lose,” Federer told atptour.com. “I’m very pleased I was able to find a way. I actually played a really good third set, I thought.”

Federer finds a way ????@rogerfederer books his place in the @DDFTennis second round, defeating @Kohlscribbler 6-4 3-6 6-1 ????

???? @TennisTV pic.twitter.com/0yRL8d2tKT

— ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) February 25, 2019

Federer won his 99th tour title in October in Basel, and his bid for the 100th has ended so far in two semifinals, then the fourth round of the Australian Open.

Next up for him is Fernando Verdasco, the 2017 Dubai runner-up to Andy Murray, who beat Italian qualifier Thomas Fabbiano 3-6 6-3 6-2.

“I think he’s got one of those wonderful forehands on the [ATP] Tour. We’ve seen the great shot-making he has been able to produce over the course of his career,” Federer said. “I’m happy that he’s still going. I think he’s a good player. He can definitely peak against the top guys … so I have to be careful.

“I played a few other lefties in the past. I always thought it was hard to play left-handed servers because their strength goes into your weakness. For a one-handed backhand player, I have a great record against left-handed players.

“I don’t fear the lefties any more like I did in my teenage years, so that’s good. I think that’s because I was able to improve my game.”

The two other seeds in action beside Federer lost.

Nikolaz Basilashvili, the highest-ranked Georgian in ATP history at No.19, upset fourth seed Karen Khachanov of Russia 6-4 6-1.

No. 4 seed Karen Khachanov is ousted by Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-4, 6-1 in the #DDFTennis first round. Third opening round loss for Khachanov on the trot. He caught a viral illness earlier this month which he says affected him in his last couple of events.

— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) February 25, 2019

Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany spoiled seventh seed Milos Raonic’s Dubai debut 6-4 5-7 6-4.

Basilashvili will play for a spot in the quarterfinals against defending champion Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain, who beat Indian wildcard Ramkumar Ramanathan 6-4 6-3.