Top-seeded Spaniard David Ferrer defeated Argentine Facundo Bagnis 6-3 6-4 on Wednesday to reach the quarter-finals of the Copa Claro clay-court tournament in Argentina.
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.
Sixth seed Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland also made the quarter-finals, winning 6-3 5-7 6-2 over Benoit Paire of France.
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 with his quarter-final set for Friday.
Ferrer played local Argentine players in both his matches here, yet got a little more support from the fans 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.”