Posted at 6:55 a.m., Thursday, May 17, 2007
Nadal keeps rolling on clay; Federer also advances
Associated Press
HAMBURG, Germany — Rafael Nadal cruised past the last man to beat him on clay two years ago, downing Igor Andreev 6-4, 6-1 today at the Hamburg Masters for his 79th straight win on the surface.Top-ranked Roger Federer also advanced to the quarterfinals with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-2, 6-3.
Nadal remained unbeaten on clay since he lost to Andreev in the quarterfinals of the Valencia Open on April 8, 2005. His streak includes 13 tournament titles.
"It was a long time ago. It doesn't matter to me," Nadal said. "What matters is that he is a very difficult player on clay, so it's good to have a win against him."
The No. 2 player in the world dominated the match, facing only two break points and saving both.
"I am happy with my game. The wind was a problem, it's difficult to play winners in such conditions," Nadal said. "But the court was a little faster than yesterday and it was better for me. I felt very comfortable on the court throughout the match."
Federer, who needs to win the French Open to complete a career Grand Slam, has gone four straight tournaments without a title — his worst run since becoming the top-ranked player in February 2004.
But he looked strong against Ferrero, a former French Open champion and once the top player on clay. Ferrero had only one break point and didn't convert.
"I thought I mixed it up pretty well today," Federer said. "I also served very well throughout the match and that's what I like to see. I felt very good and I am happy with my game."
Three other Spaniards joined Nadal in the quarterfinals. David Ferrer beat Ivan Ljubicic 6-3, 6-3, Carlos Moya upset American James Blake 1-6, 6-3, 6-3, and Nicolas Almagro defeated Jose Acasuso 6-2, 6-3.
