The Swiss top seed, playing his first event since winning the US Open, got off to a slow start before rallying to a 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7/3) victory.

"He played too quick, too good at the beginning to get on top on me, simple as that, and he had a better start, so that definitely helped him," said Federer.

"He's ranked top 1,000 and we all know he doesn't play like 1,000. I can see the headline 'Federer losing to a guy in top 1,000.' That's not so much fun, so I'm happy I won to save my image."

Federer saved two break points in the opening game, but he failed to save a 15-40 break point against him in the third game when the Japanese employed some successful chip-and-charge tactics, It eventually cost him the set.

But the 25-year-old soon found his feet and never gave Suzuki another break opportunity.

"I was kind of relaxed in the third set, because I was up all the time, and I felt I was holding my serve more comfortably, and I had many chances on his serve. I actually played a solid match in the end," said Federer.

"I knew going into it was going to be difficult to play against him with his fans here, his attacking style. The surface is really quick and it's perfect for him. At the beginning he was playing perfect tennis.

"His serve was really incredible for a little guy, and the way he volleys and moves made it hard for me. I'm not surprised at all," added Federer.

In the semifinals, he will play either Benjamin Becker of Germany or Jarkko Nieminen of Finland.

Earlier, Tim Henman and Mario Ancic set up a quarterfinal clash against each other after the Briton beat Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 and the Croat ended the hopes of Germany's Rainer Schuettler 6-2, 4-6, 6-4.

Henman hit seven aces against Del Potro's two, and said he was happy with the way he was playing.

"Even when I was a break down in the first set, I was hitting the ball well. I created a lot of opportunities. So I just stayed patient. I played better and better as the match went on, so I'm really pleased," said the 32-year-old.

"I really think the conditions suit me well."