February 27, 2019 -- Dubai, UAE
Roger was challenged against another veteran player in his round of 16 match against Fernando Verdasco, but came out strong with a win to take him into the Quarterfinals and push him to 50 all-time wins in Dubai. Never having lost to Verdasco, Roger solidified another win to take him one step closer to his 100th ATP Title coming away with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 victory.
“These best-of-three set matches, you're not always in control of everything because, like you saw at the end, a good five minutes from your opponent or a good five minutes from you can decide the outcome of the match,” said Roger. “You're definitely living on the edge at some point in the match. This is how it is.”
He faces Marton Fucsovics next.