Dubai Tennis Championships 2019: Roger Federer Ousts Philipp Kohlschreiber In Opening Round

Roger Federer maintained his 14-0 unbeaten run against Philipp Kohlschreiber whom he defeated to reach the second round of Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship on Monday. 

Philipp got knocked out after three sets 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 by the Swiss who is bidding for his 100th world tour level title - he will be first ever to reach the feat in history.

However, the German veteran showed some resilience after losing the opening set and converted a break to ease through second set, but he was swept aside in the decider by Federer who wrapped the set up with a love game. 

"[I made up my mind to] just somehow get through. Somehow try not to lose...I'm very please I was able to find a way. I actually played a really good third set," says Federer afterwards. 

He will face in next match Spaniard veteran Fernando Verdasco who rallied to beat Thomas Fabbiano in three sets 3-6, 6-3, 6-2.