Nadal beats Ferrer to reach quarter-finals of Barcelona Open

Rafael Nadal beat David Ferrer 6-3, 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals of the Barcelona Open.

Rafael Nadal consoles David Ferrer after defeating the latter during a men's singles match at the Barcelona Open Tennis Tournament in Barcelona, Spain on Thursday, April 25, 2019. [Photo: AP]

It's the 13th time that Nadal has made it into the last eight of the tournament.

"Yes big, a big difference. It was a tough match in every way yesterday. Today was a different energy, a different motivation and in general terms, I needed to play with a different attitude to make the step forward and that's what I did today," said Nadal.

Rafael Nadal returns the ball to David Ferrer during their men's singles match at the Barcelona Open Tennis Tournament in Barcelona, Spain on Thursday, April 25, 2019. [Photo: AP]

Dominic Thiem also eased into the quarter-finals in Barcelona for the third straight year with a 7-5, 6-1 victory over Jaume Munar of Spain.

Thiem will face either Benoit Paire or Guido Pella in the last eight.