Federer beats Korolev to reach Qatar quarterfinals

Top-ranked Roger Federer and No. 2 Rafael Nadal each won in straight sets Wednesday to reach the quarterfinals at the Qatar Open.

Federer beat Evgeny Korolev of Russia 6-2, 6-4, and Nadal defeated Potito Starace of Italy 6-2, 6-2.

Federer broke three times in the first set and once in the second. The Swiss star, who won the Qatar Open in 2005 and ’06, will play either Andreas Seppi of Italy or Ernests Gulbis of Latvia on Thursday.

“I know how he plays, so I had the match under control,” Federer said. “He plays a lot of balls on the forehand, so I was able to stay ahead in the match. There were long rallies in the second set, but I am pleased to have reached the quarterfinals.”

Federer earned his 17th win in Doha, having lost only two matches in five appearances at the tournament.

Date: 06.01.2010, Source: AP