Murray, Djokovic cruise into Madrid Open quarter finals

Andy Murray

Novak Djokovic racked up his 30th win of a dominant season with a 6-2, 6-1 defeat of Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut to reach the Madrid Masters quarterfinals on Thursday.

Defending champion, Andy Murray, also sealed his place in the last eight with a 6-4, 6-2 win over 16th seed Gilles Simon.

Djokovic, playing in Madrid for the first time in three years, but didn’t take long to adjust to the different conditions in the altitude of the Spanish capital as he has reached the quarters for the loss of just nine games.

The Serb will continue his quest for a fifth title of the season against Milos Raonic or Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Murray extended his impressive record over Simon to 14-2, but wasn’t pushed as hard as he often has been in the past by the Frenchman as he didn’t even face a break point in just over an hour-and-a-half on court.

The two-time grand slam champion will face Thomas Berdych after the Czech beat David Ferrer 7-6 (8), 7-5.

“After the first six or seven games I really started to hit the ball well,” said Murray.

“I served well throughout the match. It was a good performance.”

Rafael Nadal, who could meet Murray in a repeat of last year’s final, continues his quest for a fifth title in Madrid and a record 50th on clay when he faces American Sam Querrey later.

Kei Nishikori continued his fine form on the clay in Spain to reach the last eight with a 6-4, 7-5 win over 10th seed Richard Gasquet.