Nadal drops Swiss; Federer breaks Dent
KEY BISCAYNE, Florida – Rafael Nadal came from behind in both sets to beat Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland, 7-6 (2), 7-6 (4), on Tuesday and reach the quarterfinals in pursuit of his first Sony Ericsson Open title.
The top-ranked Nadal won despite converting only one of 12 break-point chances. He had four match points at 5-4 in the second set, but the No. 16-seeded Wawrinka hit a succession of big serves to stay alive.
“Sure I can play better,” Nadal said, “but I’m happy with my match. It’s an important win for me.”
His opponent in the quarterfinals Thursday will be sixth-seeded Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina.
Second-seeded Roger Federer overcame eight break points in a remarkable sequence to take the lead for good and he beat American Taylor Dent, 6-3, 6-2 .
Federer will meet American Andy Roddick in the quarterfinals Wednesday.
Dent’s only break-point chances against Federer came in their 26-point fifth game. (AP)
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