Sports Nadal and Murray through to the quarter-final of the French Open

[Chris Maduewesi]

Defending champion of the French Open Grand Slam Rafael Nadal on Monday made a smooth passage into the quarter-finals after his victory over Dusan Lajovic.

Nadal hardly broke sweat in the game and he was in cruise control,taking the game in straight sets victory 6-1 6-2 6-1

"I'm happy with the way I played," said Nadal. "I was able to control the points from the baseline, which is important for me."

Nadal will now play against compatriot David Ferrer in what appears to be a repeat of last year's quarter-final.

Andy Murray who has been playing in quick succession for the past three days,defeated Fernanado Verdasco to make the quarter-finals.

Murray beat the Spaniard 6-4 7-5 7-6 (7-3) to secure his passage.

Meanwhile,the highest-ranked player left i n the women's draw,fourth seeded Simona Halep, has been knocked out after she lost to Sloane Stephens who won their game 6-4 6-3.