Rafael Nadal eases into Rome quarter-finals and Fabio Fognini marches on

Rafael Nadal has eased into the Rome Masters quarter-finals after dismissing Denis Shapovalov.

The number one seed cruised to a 6-4 6-1 victory to set up a clash with home-crowd favourite Fabio Fognini in the last eight.

“It was a tough first set,” Nadal said. “I’m happy for the victory against a difficult opponent and looking forward to the quarter-final.

“He’s [Fognini] is a tough player and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Fognini, who beat Dominic Thiem on Wednesday, followed it up with a 6-4 6-4 win over Peter Gojowczyk to earn his match-up with Nadal.

Pablo Carreno Busta defeated Aljaz Bedene and will now face Marin Cilic, who overcame Benoit Paire.

Alexander Zverev’s fine clay court form continued as he beat Kyle Edmund 7-5 7-6.

The German will face David Goffin, who advanced after Juan Martin del Potro withdrew from their match with a groin injury.