Nadal powers into last eight

Rafael Nadal moved closer to claiming a seventh straight Monte Carlo Rolex Masters title as he reached the quarter-finals with a 6-2 6-4 victory over Frenchman Richard Gasquet today.

Nadal needed just one hour and 33 minutes to claim victory, although he did suffer one minor setback in the second set when Gasquet broke his serve for the first time in the match to level at 4-4.

“I’m very happy how I played today,” said Nadal. “I think I played much better than yesterday. In general, I think it was a very positive victory against a very difficult opponent.”

Nadal will next meet veteran Croatian Ivan Ljubicic, who beat Tomas Berdych 6-4 6-2. Nadal said: “He’s a very experienced player. It’s going to be a really difficult match and I have to play like today if I want to have chances.”

Roger Federer also stayed on track for a fourth final appearance with a 6-4 6-3 win over 22-year-old Croatian Marin Cilic. Federer next plays Jurgen Melzer, who beat Nicolas Almagro 6-1 6-4.

Federer said: “Today was another solid performance which I’m very happy about. He actually played a solid match except one game at the end of the first set. I think we were both really solid until that point.

“And in the second set, I was able to have one good return game, which was able to surprise him with a few quick returns. I took advantage of that there.”

Andy Murray disposed of Frenchman Gilles Simon 6-3 6-3 in one hour and 35 minutes, continuing his timely return to form after three consecutive first-round losses coming into the tournament.

An ankle injury to Simon at the very end of the first set played its part and Murray said: “Once I got my position on the court and could use my forehand to open the court on his backhand I was able to dictate a lot of the points – then he got his injury.

“It changed the match. You always feel you are in the driving seat but it’s not a lot of fun, it spoils the concentration.

“Drop shots were winning me virtually every single point – I had to keep moving him.”

Portuguese qualifier Federico Gil was a surprise 7-6 (10/8) 6-2 winner over eighth seed Gael Monfils. Fourth seed David Ferrer beat Canada’s Milos Raonic 6-1 6-3, and Victor Troicki was handed victory when Tommy Robredo was forced to retire while a set ahead.