Cincinnati, Aug. 20: Rafael Nadal had to work for almost three hours on Thursday to get past Frenchman Julien Benneteau 5-7, 7-6 (8-6), 6-2 to earn a place in the quarterfinals of the Cincinnati Masters.
The top-seeded Spaniard saved a match point in the second set to stay alive as hot conditions began to tell on his 32nd-ranked opponent from Geneva, who lost the last time they played five years ago.
Holder Roger Federer received another huge break as he advanced by walkover as third-round opponent Philipp Kohlschreiber retired before their match with a right shoulder injury.
Second seed Novak Djokovic, finalist at the last two editions with losses to Andy Murray and Federer, produced the only straightforward victory of the day as Argentine David Nalbandian continued to cool after his 11-match win streak ended last week. The Serb reached the last eight 6-1, 7-6 (9-7).
Toronto winner and fourth seed Andy Murray said he felt the heat draining away his energy but held on to put out Latvian Ernest Gulbis 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4).
Murray, winner of seven straight matches, will have to pull up fit Friday when he faces on-form Mardy Fish.