DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Roger Federer showed off a circus shot while extending his career-best winning streak to 38 matches, defeating Daniele Bracciali 7-5, 6-3 Wednesday to advance to the quarterfinals of the Dubai Open.
The top-seeded Federer next will face seventh-seeded Novak Djokovic, who beat Rainer Schuettler 7-6 (5), 6-3.
Rafael Nadal survived another thriller, edging Igor Andreev 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (2). Next for Nadal is Mikhail Youzhny, who topped No. 6 Tomas Berdych 7-6 (6), 6-3.
Olivier Rochus upset third-seeded Nikolay Davydenko 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. Also reaching the quarterfinals were fifth-seeded Tommy Haas, Fabrice Santoro and Robin Soderling.
Federer highlighted his win with a spectacular shot in the second set. The world's top player ran down a lob and hit it between his legs for a winner.
"I have had great shots over the years, and that was definitely one of them: Through the legs, from very far back in the court for a winner," Federer said. "Probably the last time I attempted it was on match point against (Marat) Safin at the (2004) Australian Open and I failed.
"After messing that shot up, I never thought I am going to do it again. But anyway, I knew I had it in the bag and pulled it out tonight."
Nadal, taken to three sets by Marcos Baghdatis on Tuesday, met Andreev for the first time since 2005, when the Russian was the last man to beat Nadal on clay. Nadal has since gone a record 62 matches unbeaten on the slow surface.
"He is a very tough opponent. I lost to him two years ago on clay in Valencia, so I knew I needed to play a very good match to beat him," Nadal said. "Winning the third set in a tiebreak was very important for my confidence. I have had two good tough matches now after the month-long break."