Dubai, March 1:

Defending champion Rafael Nadal survived another thriller when he edged Igor Andreev of Russia 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (2) to reach the Dubai Open quarter-finals on Wednesday.

Top-ranked Roger Federer prolonged his career-best winning streak to 38 matches when he defeated Italy’s Daniele Bracciali 7-5, 6-3. The world’s two leading players were joined in the quarter-finals by fifth-seeded Tommy Haas, No 7 Novak Djokovic and 2002 champion Fabrice Santoro.

Olivier Rochus of Belgium upset Davydenko 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 for the first time since 1999 when they played on the minor tours. Florent Serra of France spoiled his 26th birthday when he double-faulted on match point and lost to Haas 7-6 (5), 6-3.

Djokovic beat German qualifier Rainer Schuettler 7-6 (5), 6-3 and lined up Federer, whom he has yet to beat in three matches. Fabrice Santoro defeated Gilles Simon 6-4, 6-2 in the first meeting between the Frenchmen. Santoro will meet Robin Soderling after the Swede won for the first time in four matches with Dominik Hrbaty of Slovakia, 6-3, 7-5.