Roger Federer saved two match points against Borna Coric to advance to the quarter-finals of the Italian Open as defending champion Rafael Nadal and top seed Novak Djokovic raced through in straight sets.
However, Australian firebrand Nick Kyrgios was disqualified on Thursday after a foul-mouthed rant during his third-round match against Norway's Casper Ruud which could land him with a lengthy suspension.
Federer came through 2-6 6-4 7-6 (9/7) against 13th seed Coric after earlier beating Portugal's Joao Sousa 6-4 6-3 in the second round as players doubled up after rain wiped out play on Wednesday.
Federer, a four-time finalist in Rome, trailed 0-4 before dropping the first set, coming back in the second and saving two match points in the third set tie-break.
"Definitely felt like I got a little lucky obviously," said Federer.
"Borna had the lead. There were crucial moments throughout the match, second set and third set, for me to stay in it. Things definitely went my way tonight."
"It's been a peculiar clay court season for me. I had some tough period of time. Has been little bit difficult to hold the body and the tennis level for every day."
Djokovic, winner in Madrid last Sunday, beat German Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3
"So it was perfect."
- Swearing, chair throwing -
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His response was to kick out at a water bottle before throwing a chair onto the court, packing his bag and then storming off court, shouting 'I am fucking done''
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