The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Indiana

Tommy Haas dominated rangy American John Isner 6-3, 6-4 on Wednesday to set up a quarter-final match at the ATP Indianapolis Tennis Championships with Frenchman Gilles Simon.

Fifth seeded Haas, who has had three shoulder surgeries, matched the 2.05-metre tall Isner's serving with precise shot-making around the court.

The 30-year-old German easily made the big man look small with winners from all corners, backed up by unforced errors from the challenger.

Haas held his nerve while serving for victory, saving three break points before finally going through in 75-minutes.

"I was happy to get my revenge after losing to him twice," said Haas, a former number two. "You need to get at least one win against everybody out there.

"I'm really pleased with this one. I had break points on his first two service games and finally converted on my third. I used good placement when I got a look at his serve."

Haas takes two victories into his meeting with second seed Simon, who was puzzling over his own French paradox after defeating German Benjamin Becker 7-5, 3- 6, 6-0.

"I honestly don't know what happened on court during the second set which I lost and the third which I won," said the number 25.

Russian holder Dmitry Tursunov got a stress-free trip into the last eight when Wayne Odesnik withdrew with a back injury for a walkover to the third seed.

Chile's Paul Capdeville claimed a second-round win as he put out Australian qualifier Joe Sirianni 6-3, 6-4.

Simon, winner of three career titles including Casablanca on clay in May, remains in the chase for his first career trophy on hardcourt.

But the 23-year-old still can't understand how he got through over Becker. "It was not a great match for either of us, the level was not good.

"But between the second set and the third, I didn't find anything new on the court. My level remained the same, I don't understand how I won.

"I hope the next round is easier," said Simon. "But if I can't play better in the next round, at least I hope I can win it."

American James Blake heads the field as he aims to repeat a 2006 title.