Roger Federer defeats Dan Evans to set quarterfinals clash against Nikoloz Basilashvili

Roger Federer defeats Dan Evans to set quarterfinals clash against Nikoloz Basilashvili

Roger Federer is expected to make his return at Monte Carlo Masters

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Roger Federer

Roger Federer returned to action on Wednesday when he faced Dan Evans of Britain in the second round clash at the Qatar Open. The Swiss maestro was missing from action for almost over 13 months, after undergoing a double knee operation. However, Federer had made a full recovery and moved very well on court.

Roger Federer has a good record at the Qatar Open. He has won the title three times in the past, in 2005, 2006 and 2011. He has an overall win-loss record of 26-3 at the tournament. He last played in Doha in 2012 when he had to withdraw just before his semifinal clash due to a back injury.

Federer stepped onto the court first time post the tour resumption. In the first set, he was seen serving well and held serve. Evans was seen pushing Federer all the way and took the set to the tie-breaker. But the Swiss recollected all his experience to win the set 7-6(8).

In the second set, Evans topped his game and broke Federer’s serve. He moved across the court well and hit big forehand and backhand winners left, right and center. The Briton won the set 6-3.

The final set was a cracker. Both the players were neck-to-neck uptill 5-5. Eventually the Swiss used all of his experience to break Evans and win the match.

The 20-time grand slam winner hit 13 aces and won 74 points on serve while 42 points on return throughout the match. Federer looked clean throughout the match and hit a handful of his trademark one-handed backhand winners.

Federer will face next face Nikoloz Basilashvili in the quarter-final.

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