Rafael Nadal has booked his place in the quarter-finals of the French Open by beating Kei Nishikori in straight sets.
Some early errors by the 13th seed allowed the defending champion to get a break on the board near the start of the first set, which was enough for Nadal to claim the opener.
The Japanese player held serve in the first game in the second set, but the Spaniard did not allow his opponent another game in that set, showing strong form from the back of the court and at the net.
The third seed claimed another early break in the third before racing to a 5-2 lead, but a solid service game from Nishikori ensured that Nadal would have to serve out the match.
Nishikori attacked his opponent's serve in a bid to keep himself in the match, forcing to world number four to face a break point, but the seven-time winner at Roland Garros was able to hit back and hold serve to win the match.
Nadal will face either Stanislas Wawrinka or Richard Gasquet in the last eight.
Sian Cowper
