World number one Rafael Nadal had an easy cruise into the semifinals of the Madrid Open after a untroubled 6-2 6-2 win over Michael Llodra.

After qualifying for the quarters after Juan Martin del Potro walked over with a hip injury, Nadal showed the benefits of a good rest, rarely giving Micahel Llodra any chance.

It was the Spaniard's 36th consecutive victory on clay.

I didn't think I would win like that, he said afterwards. He's got a powerful serve and dangerous volley so it's hard to pass him but in the first set he committed some errors. Winning that first set gave me a lot of confidence.

His win sets up an interesting semifinal against the winner of either Roger Federer or Robin Soderling.