Marat Safin ended the challenge of 2003 champion Juan Carlos Ferrero to reach the last 16 of the French Open. The Australian Open champion went into the match with a knee injury and started slowly, but Ferrero faltered when serving for the opening set.
Safin edged the tie-break and recovered from 4-2 down in the second before Ferrero hit back superbly in the third.
But Safin stayed strong and fought back from a break down again in the fourth for a 7-6 (7-5) 7-5 1-6 7-6 (7-2) win.
"I think the crowd should get a video cassette of this match because it was a classic," said Safin.
"I'm taking this tournament very seriously and in this sort of match you have to take your opportunities when they come.
"I got a little bit tense at the beginning of the third set. I lost the concentration - it was gone.
"In the fourth, I was lucky breaking back straight away and then holding my serve."
The Russian will face Tommy Robredo in round four after the 15th seed beat David Sanchez 6-4 6-3 6-1.
MMIX
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