Match Date: 28th January 2009

The world number one had little difficulty disposing of Fernando Gonzalez in the last round and storms into the quarter finals brimming with confidence. He is playing better with each round, his least favourite surface doesn't seem to be posing much problem up to now.Could it be that the title that has eluded him is now within its grasp?

Gilles Simon reached the third round here last year before being beaten by Nadal, however the tables were turned in October at the Madrid Masters when it was Simon who prevailed. This was the last time the pair met so Simon will be hoping for a repeat of form. He had an easy entry into the quarter final after his opponent Gael Monfils retired which will stand him in good stead where fitness is concerned.

Unless something out of the ordinary happens in this match it is surely only a matter of time before we see Nadal move one step further to the title.