Nadal, Federer reach Rome quarters

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer advanced toward another possible showdown Thursday by reaching the quarterfinals of the Italian Masters.

The top two players in the world recorded straight-set victories, with Nadal winning his 27th consecutive match on clay. He is 144-4 on the surface since 2005, the last 13 of those wins coming this year.

Nadal blasted past Robin Soderling 6-1, 6-0 in a match that took just 84 minutes. He is looking for his fourth title at this event in the last five years.

Fernando Verdasco set up a quarterfinal match with Nadal by defeating Richard Gasquet 7-5, 6-4. Nadal defeated Verdasco in a five-set semifinal this year at the Australian Open.

Federer ousted Radek Stepanek 6-4, 6-1. Stepanek defeated Federer in the quarterfinals of this tournament in 2008.

Mischa Zverev will be up next for Federer after winning over Gilles Simon 6-4, 6-1.

Defending champion Novak Djokovic, who ended Nadal’s run of three straight titles here last year, advanced to the quarterfinals with a 6-1, 6-1 whipping of Tommy Robredo.