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ROME (AP) -Roger Federer defeated towering Ivo Karlovic 7-6 (4), 6-3 Thursday to reach the quarterfinals of the Rome Masters.
The top-ranked Federer improved to 6-0 in his career against the 6-foot-10 Croat.
"It's difficult to judge against him. Ivo has an unbelievable serve, probably the best we have in the game," Federer said. "And he comes to the net too, so there's always a lot of pressure."
Karlovic served 12 aces, routinely registering above 136 mph.
Federer tried to lob Karlovic early on, but eventually discovered that his best solution was to aim for passing shots.
In the first-set tiebreaker, Federer took control with a return winner off Karlovic's first serve to go up 6-4, then closed out the set by making Karlovic reach too far for a volley.
Federer landed a forehand on the line to finally break Karlovic's serve and take a 3-2 lead in the second set, then broke again to close out the match when Karlovic missed a volley.
Federer will next face Radek Stepanek, who defeated Peruvian qualifier Luis Horna 6-4, 1-6, 6-3.
Novak Djokovic also advanced with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 win against Igor Andreev.
Djokovic stopped taking medication for strep throat on Tuesday, and he appeared sluggish in the second set on a warm day at the Foro Italico.
"I knew it was going to be a tough match," Djokovic said. "He plays his best tennis on clay."
At the Monte Carlo Masters last month, Djokovic pulled out of his semifinal match against Federer, citing dizziness and a sore throat.
The Australian Open winner will now play Spanish clay-court specialist Nicolas Almagro, who advanced when Fernando Gonzalez pulled out with a right leg injury.
