Rafael Nadal and Andy Roddick did not break any sweat during their scheduled 3rd round matches at the Madrid Masters after their opponents announced their withdrawal from the tournament, citing injuries.
According to the ATP, German Philipp Kohlschreiber and Russian Nikolay Davydenko cited left leg injuries and decided not to continue with the tournament. Kohlschreiber was scheduled to face Nadal while Davydenko to meet Roddick. With this development, both Roddick and Nadal progressed to the quarterfinals where they’ll battle against familiar opponents.
In other matches, defending champion Andy Murray proved that he’s also a force to reckon with on claycourts after defeating Spaniard Tommy Robredo in two sets and progressing to the quarterfinals. The British player, who just achieved a career high ranking of number three this week, is attempting to defend the Madrid title at a different court surface. This tournament used to be played on indoor hardcourts.
World number two Roger Federer, still on a hunt for his first title of 2009, outlasted James Blake in two sets – setting up a quarterfinals match against Roddick.
Other players who earned quarterfinal berths were Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin del Potro.
