Roger Federer: Facing Nadal, Djokovic, Murray in Dubai was a pleasure

Roger Federer has promoted the Dubai Open a lot over the years. The Swiss played with Andy Murray in 2017 on the sand and did not enjoy the experience so much. The Brit defeated him with the Tournament Director Salah Tahlak serving as a chair umpire. “Andy Murray beat me here in Dubai (in 2008) and also on the sand that day," said Federer. Then, riposting with Tahlak, Federer said, “You could have helped me (to a victory). But you didn’t. You were very neutral. No, that was fun. You brought the best players to Dubai over the years and it also may also have made me difficult to win this tournament, but it's been an absolute pleasure to play against the likes of Andre Agassi, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and many other great players. I am actually really lucky to have played all these guys here and it's nice looking back to these good times. Hopefully, more to come."

Federer also reflected on how it would feel to win his 100th career-title in Dubai: “It would be very special to win [my 100th title] anywhere, but special also here in Dubai where I have enjoyed so much success. It would be my eighth title here. Eight is my favorite number, because I was born on 8 August 1981, so eight has always had a significant meaning for me and I feel really good, the year has been good, I may not have shown everything I have had at the Australian Open but Tsitsipas played extremely well and here we are, I am ready to go again, I am really energised and fresh and I hope it's gonna pay off through in this tournament."

Check the report of Federer's first win in 2019 Dubai over Philipp Kohlschreiber. 

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