FED INTO ESTORIL QUARTERS

Roger Federer overpowered Victor Hanescu 6-3, 6-2 Thursday to advance to the quarterfinals of the clay-court Estoril Open.

The top-ranked Swiss gave a more assured performance than in the first round when he dropped the opening set. Playing in occasional light drizzle, Federer conceded just 10 points in his service games to win in an hour.

"The rain really made it difficult today," Federer said. "It's a good test so far."

Federer produced two passing shots -- one forehand, one backhand -- on his way to breaking Hanescu's serve in the fourth game of the opening set.

The Romanian attempted to put pressure on Federer's backhand but the Swiss hit some of his best shots from that side.

Federer broke Hanescu's serve twice in the second set and made 28 unforced errors in the match -- roughly half the number he made in his opening match.

Federer is beginning the European clay-court season at Estoril after failing to reach a final in four tournaments this year. He has hired coach Jose Higueras, a clay specialist, for the event in preparation for the French Open.