Former world number one Rafael Nadal (11/2 Australian Open outright) breezed through his clash with Feliciano Lopez to book his place in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open, with an encounter with Tomas Berdych up next.

The ten-time Grand Slam champion beat his countryman 6-4 6-4 6-2 in the Rod Laver Arena to continue his impressive record at hard court tournaments against Lopez.

Nadal had not dropped a set in their four previous meetings and the number two seed wrapped up the victory in two hours and 25 minutes.

The 25-year-old had strapping on his right knee but played down any injury fears, as he progressed comfortably in the first Grand Slam event of the year.

He said: “It’s positive to keep winning in straight sets, especially in these conditions. It was a very, very hot day.

“Feliciano is a very good friend of mine but I tried my best and so did he.

“I did what I had to do to win in straight sets and, against a really good player, that’s very positive for me.”

Nadal will next take on Berdych (25/1 Australian Open outright), after the seven seed beat another Spaniard in Nicolas Almagro to book his place in the final eight.