Nadal, Federer reach Rome quarters

ROME, April 30 (UPI) -- 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.