Rafael Nadal continued his dominance of Spanish compatriot Feliciano Lopez to ease into the quarter-finals of the Australian Open.
The world No 2 had not dropped a set in their four previous hard court meetings and maintained that record with a 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 success on Rod Laver Arena.
Nadal's all-round game was too much for 18th-seed Lopez, whose passive approach played into his opponent's hands.
Possessing a big serve, a good touch at the net and powerful forehand, Lopez was expected to move forward as often as possible.
But mystifyingly he opted to take on Nadal at his own game, becoming engaged in baseline rallies he was unlikely to win.
And with Nadal's serve, particularly early on, offering nothing, it was always going to be an uphill task for the 30-year-old.
Nadal dropped just four points on serve in the opening set and a solitary break in the third game – secured via a Lopez double-fault – proved decisive.
The second was at least more competitive as Lopez cancelled out an early break to level at 2-2.
And when Nadal threatened again in game five, it seemed as though Lopez realised a more attacking approach was required as he charged the net to avert the danger.
However, he retreated backwards once more and was made to pay as 10-time grand slam champion Nadal broke for 4-3, capitalising on a poor Lopez volley.
From two sets down it looked a long way back for Lopez and so it proved as two more breaks settled it.
''It was a very hot day and so it is positive for me to keep winning in straight sets, especially in these conditions,'' Nadal said. ''I did what I had to do to win in straight sets.''
Nadal will play Tomas Berdych in Tuesday's quarter-final.
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