(CNN) -- World number one Roger Federer and defending champion Andy Murray both safely reached the quarterfinals of the Masters 1000 tournament in Cincinnati on Thursday.
Federer had to battle to beat Ferrer in Cincinnati to reach the quarterfinals.
Federer had the tougher task, taken to three sets by David Ferrer of Spain before prevailing 3-6 6-4 6-3 in their third round match.
Murray, fresh from his victory in the Montreal Masters and up to number two in the world rankings, brushed aside Radek Stepanek 6-4 6-1.
He will next play Julien Benneteau of France, who saw off Guillermo Garcia Lopez of Spain in three hard fought sets.
The Scot is in tremendous form in the build up to the U.S. Open where Federer defends the title he won last year, beating Murray in the final.
"I need to keep this run going as long as possible," Murray told Sky Sports after his routine victory.
Federer, beaten in the quarters in Montreal as he returned to action after becoming the father of twin baby girls, was made to work harder.
Ferrer has lost their previous eight encounters but broke Federer for a 5-3 lead before taking the first set.
Federer fought back to level, but went down an early break in the third before immediately breaking back.
A further break saw the Swiss maestro into the last eight where he will play former world number one Lleyton Hewitt of Australia who beat home hope Sam Querrey 6-1 2-6 6-3 in a later match.
Strong and swirling winds in Ohio affected all the players at the $3 million hardcourt tournament with Federer making 35 unforced errors on the way to his victory.
Fourth seed Novak Djokovic of Serbia also made the last eight as he brushed aside Jeremy Chardy of France 7-5 6-3.
All About Roger Federer • Rafael Nadal • Andy Murray • Andy Roddick • Novak Djokovic • Lleyton Hewitt • David Ferrer • Cincinnati • Tennis
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