Murray, Nadal, Federer break into quarterfinal

MADRID – Defending champion Andy Murray won through to the quarterfinals of the Madrid Open on Thursday by beating Tommy Robredo of Spain, 7-5, 6-1, while top-ranked Rafael Nadal also advanced after his opponent retired hurt.

Second-seeded Roger Federer also made it to the quarters by beating 14th-seeded James Blake of the United States, 6-2, 6-4.

The last time the two met, in China, Blake ended Federer’s hopes of capturing his first Olympic singles medal.

“We haven’t played since the Olympics and I was pleased with the way it went today, especially with him playing so well recently,” Federer said.

Andy Roddick also advanced to the quarterfinals after Nikolay Davydenko pulled out due to a leg injury and Federer will meet the sixth-seeded American next.

“I’ve played Andy so many times it’s time we played each other on clay,” Federer said of his next opponent. (AP)