Agassi given scare by rookie Spaniard

Andre Agassi came through a three-set thriller against Spaniard Feliciano Lopez to reach the quarter-finals of the Madrid Masters.

The American, seeded second in Spain's biggest tennis tournament ever, won 7-6 (8-6) 6-7 (8-10) 7-5 before a partisan Rockodromo centre-court crowd at the Pabellon de Cristal.

"It was a great atmosphere," said Agassi. "Someone had to lose. He's a very talented player and I look forward to playing him again.

"I had not seen him before, but I expected big serves and forehands. I was pretty well prepared. He will only get better. He has a good future."

Next up for Agassi will be another member of the "Spanish Armada:" French Open finalist Juan Carlos Ferrero, who lost only one game in the last two sets as he rallied to beat veteran Alex Corretja 3-6 6-0 6-1.

Agassi had his first match point in the second-set tie-break, but his return went wide.

Later, Agassi saved a set point with an ace. But lanky left-hander Lopez finally won it on his second set point when Agassi's forehand sailed wide.

Agassi got the break he needed in the 11th game of the decisive set, breaking Lopez's serve to love to lead 6-5. It was the only service break of the match.

"A match like this is unique," Agassi said. "It's very rare to play that long (two hours, 23 minutes) with only one service break."