Berdych advances to 2nd round at Dubai Tennis Championships

Feliciano Lopez says it was bitterly disappointing that Novak Djokovic had to retire from their quarter-final clash on Thursday.

Wawrinka eased past Philipp Kohlschreiber in their quarter-final; after a tight opening set he raced through the second without losing a game as he looks to add to the title he won in Chennai earlier this year.

Flamboyant Australian Nick Kyrgios won his second match in less than 24 hours, after a late arrival in the emirate following his first career title last weekend in Marseille.

The Australian Open victor later went on to continue the match but as soon the first set ended, he made a decision to pull out.

Kyrgios subsequently apologised for the comments, which he described as “unacceptable on many levels” and was given a fine and 28-day ban by the ATP.

“Sounds like I played many matches in my career”, a smiling Djokovic told the crowd.

“I’m sorry that I’m talking now with my sunglasses at 10:00 p.m. It’s not a usual sight, but that’s what it is and I am just hoping it’s going to get better”.

Berdych, a two-time Dubai finalist, holds a 22-4 win-loss record at the tournament.

Djokovic is the third active player to pass the milestone, following in the footsteps of Roger Federer (1,067) and Rafael Nadal (775).

“I am quite happy with the result”. Baghdatis upset fourth-seeded Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain 7-5, 6-0.

Other first-round winners included Lukas Rosol, a three-set victor over Yuki Bhambri; qualifier Thomas Fabbiano beat Leonardo Mayer 6-3, 6-4; Borna Corci took out Jiri Vesely 6-4, 6-4; and qualifier Franko Skugor dominated Teymuraz Gabashvili 6-2, 6-3.

Djokovic said that building up another impressive finals stretch was the last thing on his mind. “I’m just sort of working hard and making the most of it when I’m on the court”.

“It’s gotten worse in the last two days, unfortunately”. “In Doha (last January) I practised with him and in Australia”. He’s playing his best tennis. The Cypriot will next face Canadian Vasek Pospisil, who defeated Frenchman Lucas Pouille 6-3, 5-7, 6-4. I was really struggling mentally toward the end of a year ago or midway through.