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• The quarterfinals will see an exciting matchup between Nishikori and Federer • A back injury forced Damir Dzumhur to retire from his match against Novak Djokovic, who was leading 6-1, 2-1 at the time • Karen Khachanov of Russia emerged victorious against John Isner in a tight three-set thriller (6-4, 6-7(9), 7-6(8)). Aiming for his historic 100th title, Roger Federer cruised into the quarterfinals of the Paris Masters on Thursday by defeating Fabio Fognini in straight sets. Even though the 37-year-old Swiss star only recently decided to enter the Bercy tournament after winning his 99th title in Basel, he maintained enough precision to beat Fognini 6-4, 6-3. On the other side of the bracket, Novak Djokovic advanced effortlessly after Damir Dzumhur was sidelined by a back problem mid-match. Djokovic was visibly moved by the warm reception from the Parisian crowd, celebrating his first return to the venue in three years. Fognini, despite his immense respect for Federer, showed signs of frustration early on, breaking his racket after the Swiss player dominated the opening games. While the Italian fought back to break once, Federer closed out the match in just over an hour. Now, the focus shifts to a demanding quarterfinal clash against Kei Nishikori, who comfortably beat Kevin Anderson to advance.
• Dzhumur withdrew from back problem when Djokovic was leading 6-1 2-1
• Russian Karen Kachahanov beat Joshn Isner 6-4 6-7(9) 7-6(8)
In his quest for his 100th title Roger Federer made a very comfortable start, sending off Fabio Fognini in straight sets easing into the quarter-finals match at the Paris Masters on Thursday.
The Swiss 37-years old had made good of a late decision to compete in Bercy after the 99th title he had won in his home town Basel on Sunday, though he showed a touch of raggedness, he was sharp enough to beat the Italian 6-4 6-3 during the opening match.
With Damir Dzumhur who had to retire due to an injury to his back in the second set of the third round clash gave Novak Djokovic an easy stroll into the last eight.
The standing ovation that was given to the 20 time grand slam winner clearly moved him as he returned to Bercy after three years for the first time thus delighting his huge Parisian fan club.
Fognini who calls Federer “the king of tennis”, had not much to rate the Swiss, but just “Not bad,”
Fognini had to hurl down his racket in frustration after the Swiss broke twice in the first five games. Though he did claw a break back before the 2011 Paris champion made it slightly heavy weather for serving out the set.
Federer wrapped up the 73-minute win after some erratic tennis during the second set with a fourth break of serve, knowing fully well how hard its going to be in the last eight against Kei Nishikori who had beaten Kevin Anderson.