![epa07401724 Roger Federer of Switzerland in action against Fernando Verdasco of Spain during their second round match at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis ATP Championships 2019 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 27 February 2019. EPA/ALI HAIDER](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/F3XZ6PO3DRWPE5P7Q4E7QWDAGQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=10fb86dd2fbd340b68a67feebfdfb9394fa916c97b4d049ef56c3dee69b41c2c&width=400&height=225)
Roger Federer was made to work hard for his victory over Fernando Verdasco in Dubai. EPA
Roger Federer was made to work hard for his victory over Fernando Verdasco in Dubai. EPA
Dubai Tennis: Roger Federer battles past Fernando Verdasco, Gael Monfils marches on, Kei Nishikori stunned in second round
A round-up from Day 3 at the ATP 500 event as the remaining players aim to reach the quarter-finals
Graham Caygill
27 February, 2019