The British number two took the first set 7-6 after 48 minutes play, losing only five points in his six service games while Stoltenberg never looked really happy on his delivery.

Rusedski missed two break points when leading 4-3 and then missed a set point at 5-4.

He also missed two more set points after leading 6-5, 40-15, before the set went into a tie break.

Rusedski led 3-1 but went 3-4 down before forcing yet another set point with his serve to come at 6-5.

But Stoltenberg saved it with a forehand passing shot only for the British left hander to reach set point for a fifth time with an ace.

This time Stoltenberg served and Rusedski struck a backhand passing shot down the line to finally scramble home by eight points to six.

The second set was a straightforward romp for the Canadian-born star and once he broke the Australian early on the result was never in doubt.

He closed out the match 6-4 to go into the quarter-finals which is sure to improve his world ranking.