Rotterdam, Netherlands, Feb 16: Top-seeded Roger Federer easily beat Nicolas Mahut 6-4, 6-4 in the first round Wednesday to sail straight into the quarterfinals of the ABN Amro World Tennis Tournament.
Federer's second-round opponent Mikhail Youzhny withdrew with a foot injury, giving the Swiss star a place in the last eight.
The 16-time grand slam winner next meets Jarkko Nieminen, who overcame Lukasz Kubot 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (2).
Federer is making his first appearance in Rotterdam since 2005, and said "it's nice to be back."
Second-seeded Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic hit 10 aces to beat countryman Lukas Rosol 6-4 6-2 and book a spot in the second round.
Third-seeded Juan Martin Del Potro, who is making his Rotterdam debut, beat 2008 champion Michael Llodra 6-4 6-7 (3) 6-4.
