DUBAI, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- The world number one Novak Djokovic won here on Wednesday in Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships clearly 6-1, 6-2 against Andrey Golubey from Kazakhstan, while second-seeded Roger Federer also won 6-4, 6-3 against Spain's Fernando Verdasco.
"Djoker" as his fans call the Serbian superstar nevertheless paid respect to his opponent, saying after the match that "Andrey played well and strong."
Federer met stiff resistance against Verdasco, ranked 31st, at the beginning of the first set. The Spaniard managed to lead 4-1 against the Swiss, but Federer turned the match mostly with his signature play, his strong forehand.
Verdasco was in particular weak in his first and second serves. "I managed to build momentum and reduced mistakes I did at the start of the game," said Federer.
Federer will play on Thursday against Richard Gasquet from France, while Djokovic will face Marsel Ilhan from Turkey.