Nadal extends run by easing past Fognini

World No 1 chalks up 14th win in a row

Rafael Nadal made it 14 wins in a row with another crushing victory to reach the quarter-finals of the Shanghai Masters.

The world No 1 is looking for a third title in succession after victories at the US Open and China Open and, on this form, will take some stopping.

Nadal dominated proceedings against flashy Italian Fabio Fognini, winning 6-3 6-1 in 62 minutes.

Fognini’s only real chance came in the second set, when he created his only two break points of the match, but Nadal saved them both and did not look back.

The Spaniard next faces Grigor Dimitrov, who he beat in three sets in Beijing last week, after the Bulgarian defeated Sam Querrey 6-3 7-6 (7-3).

Roger Federer looks to be warming up nicely in his first tournament since the US Open.

The world No 2 was even swifter than Nadal, taking exactly an hour to see off Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-4 6-2.

Juan Martin del Potro built on his stunning run to the US Open semi-finals by claiming a notable 3-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 win over third seed Alexander Zverev.

The 29-year-old will return to the top 20 next week for the first time since the left wrist problems that nearly ended his career.

Del Potro said on atpworldtour.com: “If my level continues improving, I will get closer to the top guys. But it’s not easy. I have made a big effort after all my injuries to play tennis.”

Fourth seed Marin Cilic moved closer to qualifying for the ATP World Tour Finals with a 7-6 (7-1) 6-4 victory over Steve Johnson.

Picture: AP. Rafael Nadal: took just 62 minutes to reach the last eight.