Bernard Tomic is out but Novak Djokovic put on a crowd-pleasing performance to beat Radek Stepanek 6-2 6-4 to lead the top five seeds into the quarter-finals of the Toronto Masters.
Big-serving South African Kevin Anderson fired down 26 aces to eliminate 12th-seeded Tomic, Australia's last man standing in the singles draw, 4-6 6-3 6-4.
But Djokovic and one of his best friends on the ATP put on a show, with the top seed winning a fun-loving display punctuated by victory-lap celebrations from 37-year-old Stepanek, whose old-school style troubled the Serb early in the second set.
Djokovic earned his 12th win in 13 matches against his practise partner, adding that facing one of the game's longtime showman is always a joy.
"Radek's such an entertainer. It's not easy to play someone you know so well and respect a lot," he said.
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"We are all grateful to him for staying in the sport for such a long time."
Joining the world No.1 in the last eight were other tournament elites: Stan Wawrinka, third seed Kei Nishikori, No.4 Milos Raonic and Djokovic's next opponent Tomas Berdych, the fifth seed who beat Ryan Harrison 6-4 6-7 (2-7) 6-4.
Wawrinka was working to keep his Rio Olympic dreams in check while he continues to advance in Canada after duplicating his best showing in the country.
The 2008 Beijing doubles gold medallist posted a 7-6 (7-3) 6-2 win over Jack Sock.
"I feel positive now after this win - let's see what happens," Wawrinka said after winning his 30th match of 2016.
Wawrinka will next line up against Anderson.
Nishikori said he was still not on top form after a Wimbledon rib injury, but showed little apparent discomfort as he reached the last eight 6-3 6-4 against Rajeev Ram.
Tenth seed Gael Monfils, winner of his first title in more than two years last weekend in Washington, beat Belgian seventh seed David Goffin 7-6 (7-5) 2-6 6-4.
