Top-seeded David Ferrer of Spain defeated Argentine Facundo Bagnis 6-3, 6-4 on Wednesday to reach the quarter-finals of the Copa Claro clay-court tournament in the Argentine capital.
Japan’s 22-year-old Kei Nishikori justified his No. 4 seeding, beating Victor Hanescu of Romania 3-6, 7-5, 6-1 to reach the last eight.
No. 6 Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland also made the quarter-finals, winning 6-3, 5-7, 6-2 over Benoit Paire of France.
Photo: EPA
The happiest player into the quarter-finals was Chilean Fernando Gonzalez, who will retire after next month’s Masters tournament in Florida. Gonzalez defeated Spaniard Albert Ramos 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5).
“I am always aware I have few matches remaining,” Gonzalez told reporters.
Ferrer is one of the game’s best on clay and he showed his experience against the 21-year-old Argentine.
“He made it difficult for me, but he failed on some important points,” Ferrer said.
Ferrer now has a day to relax before his quarter-final.
Ferrer played local Argentine players in both his matches here, yet got a little more support from the fans on Wednesday.
“The support was very equal today,” Ferrer said. “Here they treat you like you are at home, or even better.”
Wawrinka was playing a player he knows well in Paire.
“I was playing against a friend, and it wasn’t easy,” he said. “Besides, he played a good match.”
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