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| Novak Djokovic wrapped up a three-set win over Feliciano Lopez in Dubai. |
Djokovic battles into Dubai quarterfinals: Ancic quits circuit
CNN) -- Two-time defending champion Novak Djokovic came through a tight three-setter against Spain's Feliciano Lopez to reach the quarterfinals of the ATP Tour 500 event in Dubai Wednesday.
The second seed from Serbia dropped the second set before running out a 6-3 2-6 6-4 winner.
Top seed Roger Federer joined him in the last eight with a 6-3 6-4 win over Marcel Granollers in their night match.
Earlier, third seed Tomas Berdych saw off Russia's Nikolay Davydenko 6-3 7-6.
Berdych was beaten by Australian Open champion Djokovic in last year's final.
Meanwhile, Croatia's Mario Ancic, the former world number seven, has announced his retirement from professional tennis after a string of health and injury problems.
Ancic, who reached a career high of seven in the ATP rankings, made the formal announcement Wednesday in his hometown of Split.
"This is a difficult, emotional day for me," the 26-year-old told gathered reporters.
Ancic famously beat Federer in the first round at Wimbledon in 2002 and reached the semifinals of the grass court grand slam in 2004.
He also led Croatia to their 2005 Davis Cup triumph.
But in 2007 when he was diagnosed with mononucleosis, which sidelined him for six months, and he has also suffered from shoulder problems and a back injury, which finally brought an end to his career.
