Rafael Nadal powered through to the China Open quarter-finals as he set up a clash with big-serving American John Isner.
World No.1 Nadal fended off Russian Karen Khachanov in securing a 6-3 6-3 second-round win in Beijing on Thursday.
Nadal, chasing his sixth title of the season, was facing a player he defeated on centre court in the third round of Wimbledon in July, and the outcome was a familiar one as the Spaniard came through in straight sets.
He now lines up against sixth seed John Isner, a 6-0, 6-3 winner over Argentine Leonardo Mayer. Nadal has beaten Isner in all six of their previous meetings although Isner came close to a stunning French Open win over Nadal six years ago, when he led by two sets to one in their first-round battle.
“I’m happy about the match today, I think I played solid,” Nadal said. “Tomorrow will be a tough one against Isner; he’s playing unbelievably well.”