Fri, 15 Feb 2013 15:15:00 GMT | By IANS

Nadal makes Brazil Open quarters

Nadal beat Brazilian Joao Souza 6-3, 6-4 to go through to the quarterfinals


Nadal makes Brazil Open quarters (© AFP)

Sao Paulo: Rafael Nadal progressed to the quarterfinals of the Brazil Open with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Brazilian Joao Souza.

The result Thursday follows the Spaniard's withdrawal from the double's event amid concerns that a heavy workload could compromise his recovery from a seven-month layoff with a knee injury, Xinhua reports.

The former World No. 1 next faces Argentine Carlos Berlocq, who defeated eighth-seeded Albert Ramos of Spain.

The Brazil Open is Nadal's second tournament since suffering a left knee injury during his second-round Wimbledon defeat to Czech Lukas Rosol in June last year.

The 11-time grand slam winner, who had a bye in the first round, won the event as an 18-year-old in 2005.

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