Roger Federer encouraged by improved performance at Shanghai Masters

Roger Federer has declared himself happy with his improved performance against Roberto Bautista-Agut at the Shanghai Masters.

The former world number one eased into the quarter-finals of the competition courtesy of a 6-4 6-2 victory over his Spanish opponent, setting up a meeting with Julien Benneteau.

"I think I definitely played better," Federer, who needed to save five match points against Leonardo Mayer in the previous round, told reporters. "I had a better understanding of how the balls are reacting, the court is playing, and just conditions in general at night.

"I definitely think he let me play a bit more from the baseline, whereas Mayer really took big cuts at the ball which made it really difficult for me to control the back of the court. I think I was just overall striking the ball better. I'm glad I got a straight set win."

Federer is scheduled to face Benneteau at 1pm GMT this afternoon.