CHENNAI, India (AP) Milos Raonic moved into the quarterfinals of the Chennai Open on Wednesday by beating Victor Hanescu of Romania 6-1, 6-4.
The fourth-seeded Canadian lived up to his reputation of being one of the rising stars on tour, using a powerful serve to win his first competitive match of the season.
The 21-year-old Raonic rose from No. 156 to a career-high 25th in 2011 and was named the ATP Newcomer of the Year.
In the quarterfinals, Raonic will take on Dudi Sela of Israel, who overcame Benoit Paire of France 4-6, 6-2, 6-4.
Defending champion Stanislas Wawrinka rallied past lucky loser Edouard Roger-Vasselin 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 .
The Swiss player set up a quarterfinal against Japanese qualifier Go Soeda, who beat fifth-seeded Ivan Dodig of Croatia 7-6 (6), 6-3 in the second round.