Djokovic keeps up pressure

2008-07-24 21:20

Paris - Defending champion Novak Djokovic progressed into the last eight of the Toronto Masters on Thursday with a 6-4 6-4 win over Sweden's Robin Soderling.

The Serbian world number three is struggling to keep pace with Rafael Nadal, the world number two who is closing in on Roger Federer on top of the rankings.

Nothing can happen at the top of the rankings this week.

But Nadal currently stands 770 points behind Federer who suffered a shock second round defeat to France's Gilles Simon on Wednesday as he played his first match since losing his Wimbledon title.

The Spaniard could cut that margin to a mere 275 should he win the title on Sunday for a second of his career in Canada.

"I played the best tennis of my career in the first six months of the year," said Australian Open champion Djokovic.

"I just want to care and keep my focus about my career. If I continue going forward the same way, the results will come."

Simon followed up his win over Federer by clinching his eighth victory in a row on Thursday to also reach the quarter-finals.

The world number 22, lifted the Indianapolis title four days ago, stopped Argentine Jose Acasuso 6-3 6-4.

"I can't just stay on this match," he said. "It was the same for my victory in Indianapolis.

"I didn't have the time to enjoy it yet, but it's a good thing for me. If I lose this week, then I think I'll make a big party for all these reasons."

- SAPA