Rafael Nadal has bettered last season's Madrid Open campaign by reaching the quarter-finals of the tournament courtesy of a 6-2 6-3 victory over Mikhail Youzhny.

The Spaniard, who is commonly known as the 'King of Clay', took control of the early stages of the opening set by clinching a vital break of serve, which put Youzhny on the back foot.

Nadal went from strength to strength by launching powerful shots and precise returns across the court to snatch a one-set lead in Madrid.

Youzhny tried to find his feet in the second set, and while he displayed some impressive play, Nadal was too much for his opponent, and the Spaniard wrapped the match up with ease to reach a final-eight spot.