Rafael Nadal is through to the quarterfinals of Madrid after defeating John Isner 7-5, 6-4. Nadal had only two break points against the huge-serving American and took advantage of both to break once in each set.
The ATP website reported that Isner arrived in Madrid on just four hours' sleep, having taking 21 hours to make the trip from Belgrade, where he reached the final last week. Isner's flight was cancelled at the last minute due to volcanic ash.
He went three sets in both his first two singles matches and also had to play a doubles match the evening before his clash against Nadal.