Madrid - Rafael Nadal lived up to home hopes as the Spanish hero took aim at a second career Madrid Masters title, polishing off Richard Gasquet 6-4, 6-2 on Thursday in the third round.

Roger Federer, aiming to lift the title as he comes back following a three-week pause from the rigours of the game, dispatched another Frenchman in Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-4, 6-1.

"I've never hit with him, not even in doubles or practice," said Federer after finishing off the Australian Open finalist. "But he's been in a Grand Slam final and played against the best players.

"He has the experience and that made it difficult. I'm happy with the way I've played so far this week."

2005 champion Nadal, who can claim the year-end top ranking by reaching the Sunday final after ranking recalculations, takes his next step against compatriot Feliciano Lopez, who booked his spot as he put out Swiss 10th seed Stanislas Wawrinka 6-4, 6-4.

"Feliciano is a very awkward opponent on all surfaces, he has got a great first and second serve and that stops you from playing comfortably," said Nadal.

"Its going to be difficult to win, lets see if I am okay with my serve so that I can play more comfortably. That will be very important in order to win the match."

Nadal improved to 6-0 over Gasquet, who has won just three sets against the Spaniard.

The top seed needed less than 90 minutes to advance to the last eight, saving all four break points he faced.

Nadal's win was his 79th of the season as he bids for a ninth trophy in 2008.

US Open finalist Andy Murray reached the quarters to face Frenchman Gael Monfils, after saving three set points in a defeat of Croatian Marin Cilic 7-5, 7-6 (7-2).

The Scot was joined by another of the fast-rising new generation as 20-year-old Juan Del Potro knocked off Argentine Davis Cup teammate David Nalbandian 6-4, 6-2.

Murray said that his problem knee was jammed during the first set, and could cause a problem.

"As long as the pain is bearable, I'm ready to play," he said.

"It was maybe the fourth point of the match," he explained. "He hit to my backhand and I felt the knee."

Defending champion Nalbandian, winner of a title last week indoors in Stockholm, never looked like being in control against the on-fire Del Potro, winner of four straight ATP titles over the summer.

"I'm thinking of Shanghai right now," said Del Potro of he eight- man Masters Cup which ends the season. "Its important for me, as it would be for any player."

France's Gilles Simon put himself in the running for one of four remaining spots, moving up to 11th as he outlasted American Robby Ginepri 6-7 (6-8), 6-4, 7-6 (8-6).

Nadal, Federer, Novak Djokovic and Murray have already qualified for the wrap-up which starts on November 9.

Del Potro's victory over Nalbandian earned revenge for a defeat the then-teenager took in the Spanish capital a year ago against his compatriot.