Qatar Open: Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal storm through to quarters

New Delhi: World No. 1 Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have advanced to the quarter-finals of Qatar Open on Wednesday.

While the Serb demolished Spain`s Fernando Verdasco 6-2, 6-2, in one hour nine minutes, Rafa swept aside Robin Haase 6-3, 6-2 in just 65 minutes.

Djokovic, who was in red hot form last year, winning three out of four Grand Slams, has already started the new season with a bang as he has won both his matches at Qatar Open in two hours.

"Very pleased with the way I have started this season, two matches, straight sets," he told reporters afterwards.

Nadal had struggled in the opening round on Tuesday, after dropping the first set against compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta. But the Spaniard was full of praise for his opponent.

"I played at a very high level against a player that I think played well for a lot of moments,'' Nadal said after beating Haas.

Djokovic will play eighth-seeded Leonardo Mayer of Argentina in the quarterfinals.

Nadal plays Andrey Kuznetsov in the last eight.