Federer Waves the “Magic Wand” vs. Verdasco

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Federer Waves the “Magic Wand” vs. Verdasco

Roger Federer would find himself down an early break against Fernando Verdasco in Dubai this evening, but the Swiss maestro used his feathery hands to regain some momentum in the match on this exquisite point that saw him follow a down-the-line backhand to the net and proceed to knock off two perfect volleys to flummox the Spaniard.

Dubai: Federer, Djokovic Cruise into Quarterfinals

The first volley was excellent, but after Verdasco muscles up on his passing attempt Federer’s reply is just plain gorgeous. Because he’s stretched and can’t put pace on the ball, Federer is forced to find an inconceivably tiny patch of court in the far corner to keep the ball away from his opponent. In true maestro form, he does it.

Fighting against an in-form Verdasco, Federer would need to be perfect to stay alive in the early going, but eventually the Swiss No. 1 was just plain peRFect as he reeled off 20 straight points from 4-1 down to take the first set and seize control of his round of 16 match. Federer would eventually triumph, 6-4, 6-3, for his 1,004th career ATP victory.

“I actually felt like ‘I’m down 4-1, the score's not good, but I’m actually feeling okay,’” said Federer, after the match. “It was big to also carry that into the second set I must say.”

The victory sets up a quarterfinals clash with Richard Gasquet on Thursday.

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