Rafael Nadal cruises into Monte Carlo Masters quarter-finals
World No 1 makes last eight for 14th straight year in the Principality
Thursday 19 April 2018 19:00, UK
Rafael Nadal produced another routine victory to set up a tantalising quarter-final clash with Dominic Thiem at the Monte Carlo Masters.
The world No 1, bidding for a record 31st Masters title and 24th on clay, made short work of Russian Karen Khachanov as he cruised to a 6-3 6-2 victory in 80 minutes.
Khachanov held his own at times in the opening set, but Nadal moved through the gears and claimed a comfortable victory to set up a showdown against Thiem who should provide a sterner test in the last eight, after the Austrian fifth seed came from a set down to beat Novak Djokovic.
Nadal has now won 30 straight sets on clay since losing to Thiem at the Rome Masters in 2017, including a dominant display in the French Open semi-finals last year en route to his 10th Roland Garros title.
The Spaniard needs to win an 11th Monte Carlo title to stay clear of Roger Federer at the top of the world rankings.
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Coverage of the ATP Monte Carlo Rolex Masters continues on Friday with all four quarter-finals live from 10am on Sky Sports Arena.
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