Qatar Open 2012: Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer Move On

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer both extended win streaks on Wednesday in Doha, Qatar at the 2012 Qatar Open.

Nadal sailed into the quarterfinals after an easy 6-2, 6-2 victory against qualifier Denis Gremelmayr of Germany. Nadal extended his streak of beating players outside the top 100 with the win, and is now at 45 straight such victories. He will face Russia's Mikhail Youzhny next.

Federer also cruised into the quarterfinals with an easy victory against a qualifier. The Swiss tennis star beat Solvenia qualifier Grega Zelmja,6-2 6-3. With the victory, the Fed has won 19 straight matches. His last loss was in the U.S. Open semifinals to Novak Djokovic. (The 44-minute loss Federer took to Djokovic last week was an exhibition match and doesn't count toward this match count.) Andreas Seppi of Italy is Federer's next opponent.

From the Chicago Tribune:

The Swiss laid down his title credentials for the Australian Open later this month with yet another quickfire victory and has now dropped just nine games in two matches in Doha.

"The year-end was very short. I'm trying to maintain my level and carry it on in 2012," the 16-times grand slam champion said in a court-side interview.

No. 6 seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga saved two sets points in his first set on Wednesday before taking the set 7-6. He eventually beat Italy's Flavio Cipolla with a 6-3 second set.

Tsonga experimented with serve and volley throughout the match, he said, in hopes of finding a tactic to play against the "Big Four."

From New Zealand's Stuff.com:

(Tsonga) said in a court-side interview. "I try to improve my game. I need something different than them to be better. I will try to go to the net more."

Tsonga will meet Albert Ramos of Spain in the next round.