Miami: Defending champion Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal advanced to the quarter finals of the Sony Ericsson Open after beating their respective opponents here on Tuesday.

World number one Djokovic from Serbia recovered well after an early break to beat Richard Gasquet 7-5, 6-3 while Nadal even though had a troubled knee rallied to beat Japan’s ei Nishikori 6-4, 6-4 to make it to the last 16th round. He lost his serve and broke Nishikori four times.

Meanwhile, Andy Murray also advanced to the quarterfinals of the event after he beat Gilles Simon 6-3, 6-4.Janko Tipsarevic also advanced further in the tournament after he defeated Grigor Dimitrov 7-6 (7-3), 6-2.

By Indian Sports News Network