ON TOP: Nadal needed two hours and 20 minutes to shrug off a brave challenge from Robredo.

Paris Masters: Nadal edges past Robredo to reach S/F

Rafael Nadal kept winning the hard way at the Paris Masters, edging past fellow Spaniard Tommy Robredo 6-3 3-6 7-5 to reach the quarter-finals.

Safin ends career with Paris Masters defeat

Former world No 1 Marat Safin ended his playing career on Wednesday.

He qualified for the Masters Cup, which will start on November 9.

Federer withdrew with a back injury before his match against James Blake.

Nikolay Davydenko ended Mario Ancic's hopes of qualifying for the Masters Cup when he beat him in the Paris Masters.

Tommy Robredo and David Nalbandian have qualified for the season-ending Masters Cup after posting wins in Paris.

World No 2 Rafael Nadal pulled out of the Paris Masters Series tournament starting on Monday citing a rib injury.

The world number three, suffering from a stiff back, is not sure if he will play his semi-final match on Saturday.

Top seeds including Andy Roddick have secured their place in the quarterfinals of the Paris Master tennis tournament.