Sport - Tennis

Simon, Murray, del Potro advance

MADRID: Gilles Simon of France saved two match points on Thursday before beating Robby Ginepri of the United States 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-6 (6) to reach the quarterfinals of the Madrid Masters. Andy Murray and Juan Martin del Potro also advanced.

The Scot advanced with a 7-5, 7-6(2) win over Marin Cilic while del Potro took out compatriot David Nalbandian, defeating him 6-4, 6-2.

On Wednesday, Roger Federer marked his return after a five-week layoff with a 6-3, 7-6(6) win over to beat Radek Stepanek in the second round. The 2006 champion rallied from a 5-3 deficit in the tie-breaker with some excellent shotmaking, including a backhand that landed in the far corner on match point.

Novak Djokovic advanced after Victor Hanescu retired due to an apparent groin injury while trailing 6-7(8), 7-6(8), 3-1. “It’s a big relief to win...this is a big boost up for upcoming matches,” Djokovic said. “He used his biggest weapon which was his serve. (And) I couldn’t find any rhythm in return, so he used that wisely.”

Meanwhile, top-ranked Rafael Nadal pulled out of the doubles with Carlos Moya on Tuesday due to a slight upper leg injury.

“Every match is important, including doubles, but I’ve got priorities,” said Nadal. “You can’t win everything.”

The results: At Madrid (Madrid Masters): Third round: Feliciano Lopez bt Stanislas Wawrinka 6-4, 6-4; Gilles Simon bt Robby Ginepri 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-6(6); Andy Murray bt Marin Cilic 7-5, 7-6(2); Juan Martin del Potro bt David Nalbandian 6-4, 6-2.