Nadal, Roddick through to Queen's quarters

In the Aegon Championshipss at Queen's, world number one Rafael Nadal and four-time winner Andy Roddick both progressed into the quarterfinals after defeating Radek Stepanek and Kevin Anderson, respectively.

Nadal had a tough time against Stepanek but managed to beat the Czech 6-3 5-7 6-1. The Spaniard recovered from a second-set stumble, in which he lost five games in a row mainly due to fatigue, to breeze through the decider.

Afterwards, Nadal admitted that he was relieved to have come through the match, despite the stern test put up by Stepanek.

He said, At the beginning of the third (set), it was tough, but I feel I played my best in the third set. I think I played much better than Wednesday. For sure, I'm a bit tired, but I always play with this fantastic crowd and fantastic atmosphere and it's always a pleasure to be here.

I have motivation to play. For sure Wimbledon is there (in the future) but right now I focus on Queen's.

Nadal will next face Jo-Wilfried Tsonga after the Frenchman's opponent, Michael Llodra, retired with a thigh injury mid-way through the first set.

Elsewhere, four-time winner Andy Roddick got past the lanky South African Kevin Anderson with a 6-4 6-4 win. The 6ft 8in Anderson did provide the American a stern test, but Roddick ploughed on when required, and will continue his pursuit of a record fifth title.

I love being here, I love this tournament, I love this whole month over here (in England), Roddick told BBC Sport. So I'm trying to make the most of it. I was solid. I had a game plan, and I stuck to it. There weren't going to be many breaks with the way we both serve. That's grass-court tennis.

Roddick will now play Fernando Verdasco in the quarter-finals after the Spaniard beat Argentina's David Nalbandian 7-5 6-1.