Ferrer, Andreev into Buenos Aires quarterfinals; leg injury puts Nalbandian in doubt

Ferrer, Andreev into Buenos Aires quarters

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Igor Andreev reached his second straight quarterfinals on the Latin American clay court swing Thursday, defeating Marcel Granollers at the Copa Telmex.

The sixth-seeded Russian won 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the second round, on week after reaching the semifinals at Costa do Sauipe. Andreev will meet top-seeded David Ferrer of Spain on Friday.

Ferrer defeated Frederico Gil of Portugal 6-3, 6-0.

Argentina’s David Nalbandian reached the quarterfinals on Wednesday, but a right-leg injury in the grueling, three-set victory over Spain’s David Gimeno-Traver could force him out of the tournament. He’s scheduled to play fifth-seeded Albert Montanes on Friday.

Nalbandian, playing his first tournament after hip surgery nine months ago, said after Wednesday’s victory that his trainer had suggested he pull out of the match. He said he probably would have pulled out had the event not been in Buenos Aires.

“But I decided to play for the sake of people who have always supported me,” Nalbandian said. “I took a risk but it went well.”

The injury also could make Nalbandian questionable for Argentina’s Davis Cup match in Stockholm on March 5-7.