Federer and Nadal Cruise Into Quarterfinals of Qatar Open
Spain’s Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer of Switzerland both advanced into the quarterfinals of the Qatar Open on Wednesday. Nadal was victorious over German qualifier Denis Gremelmayr, 6-2, 6-2, and Federer had an easy time with Slovenia qualifier, Grega Zemlja, 6-2, 6-3, in his win. Also advancing was France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, a 7-6 (8), 6-3 winner over Italy’s Flavio Cipolla.
"I’m trying to play aggressive, I’m trying to return a little bit better, because for me the worst thing I did for most of last year was the return, especially the second half of the year," Nadal said. "I’m so happy with my returns here and happy how a few things have worked well with the new weight of the racket. I’m starting to have good feelings, so that’s really important."
Alex Bogomolov Jr. of Russia, the six seed at the event, was forced to withdraw from the Qatar Open after an apparent ankle injury.
"They all have something different," said Tsonga. "I mean, Rafa is running a lot, plays with a lot of spin. Roger takes the ball very early, and Novak, too. Andy Murray, he’s an incredible defender, and his passing shots are just amazing.
