Federer moves to Swiss Indoors quarterfinals

Roger Federer pulled through a touch-and-go start to defeat Finland's Jarkko Nieminen in the second round of Swiss Indoors matchups on Thursday.

The two-time defending champion won on two tight sets at 7-6 (1) and 7-6 (2).

Playing before his hometown crowd in Basel, Federer had trouble with several forehand shots but came through with 11 aces. At one point Federer was down 5-3 before he rallied for the win. Nieminen has been unable to win a set against the Swiss star in nine previous matchups.

Federer moves into the quarterfinals on Friday against Italian Simone Bolelli.

In other matchups, second-seeded David Nalbandian of Argentina beat Belgian Kristof Vliegen 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (4) to reach the quarterfinals.

Juan Martin del Potro, also of Argentina, beat Switzerland’s Stephane Bohli 6-3, 6-3.