Nadal sets up quarter-final clash with Isner

World men’s tennis number one Rafael Nadal on Thursday eased through to the quarter-finals of the China Open, after defeating Karen Khachanov 6-3, 6-3 in Beijing.

Our correspondent reports that the Spaniard is bidding to win his second China Open title, following victory on his debut in 2005.

He also finished runner-up to Novak Djokovic in the 2013 and 2015 finals.

Nadal is also looking to boost his lead over Roger Federer in the battle to finish the year as number one in the Emirates ATP Rankings.

Thursday’s win hands him another 45 points, which extends his lead over his Swiss rival to 1,950 points in the year-to-date standings.

Federer returns to action at next week’s Shanghai Rolex Masters, where 1,000 points are awarded to the winner.

Nadal defeated Khachanov for the second time this year as he saved the six break points he faced.

The left-hander, in turn, broke Khachanov three times to prevail in 89 minutes.

Nadal goes on to face sixth seed John Isner, who cruised past Leonardo Mayer 6-0, 6-3 in under an hour.

The American struck eight aces and converted all four of his break points to earn the quarter-final clash with Nadal.

He will now be looking to beat the Spaniard for the first time in seven attempts.

“I am happy about the match today,” said Nadal. “I think I played a solid match. Tomorrow (Friday) will be a tough one against Isner. He’s playing unbelievably well.

“I saw his match today. He played huge. So let’s see what’s going on tomorrow.”

The 32-year-old Isner has reached the quarter-finals on all five of his appearances at this ATP World Tour 500 tournament.

He is looking to go on and make the semi-finals for the second time.

The American is chasing his third ATP World Tour crown of the season this week, following victories in Newport and Atlanta.