Ferrero into quarter-finals

Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero has advanced to the quarter-finals of the Brazil Open after defeating Nicolas Massu 6-2 5-7 6-2.

Top seed advances after victory over Massu

Juan Carlos Ferrero has advanced to the quarter-finals of the Brazil Open after defeating Nicolas Massu 6-2 5-7 6-2. The top seed was put through his paces by the Chilean with the match going the full distance - lasting nearly two-and-a-half hours. Ferrero looked on course to ease through to the quarter finals after comfortably taking the first set 6-2. But Massu improved considerably in the middle part of the match forcing the duo into a decider.

Experience

However, the experience and quality of Ferrero proved pivotal in the final set and the Spaniard claimed crucial breaks in the fifth and seventh games. Ferrero is vying for his first Brazil Open title, but the omens are good for the 29-year-old as nine of his 12 career titles have come on the clay surface. Ferrero's attention will now turn towards Carlos Berlocq as the pair meet in the quarter-finals. The Argentinean qualifier defeated compatriot Juan Ignacio Chela in straight sets 7-6 (7/5) 6-2. It was a good day for the seeds in Brazil as both Igor Andreev and Pablo Cuevas progressed to the next round - the pair now face each other for a place in the semi-finals.