Gallery: Rafa romps in Rio

Rafael Nadal brushed aside fellow Spaniard Nicolas Almagro 63 75 on Thursday to reach the quarterfinals at the Rio Open. Also winning through was Rafa’s next opponent, Alexandr Dolgopolov, along with David Ferrer and Paula Cristina Goncalves – the local qualifier who thrilled home fans with an upset of No.2 seed Johanna Larsson.

: David Ferrer in action during his second-round victory over Albert Ramos-Vinolas at the ATP Rio Open; Getty Images

: David Ferrer in action during his second-round victory over Albert Ramos-Vinolas at the ATP Rio Open; Getty Images

: Alexandr Dolgopolov in action during his second-round victory over Inigo Cervantes at the ATP Rio Open; Getty Images

: The No.1-seeded Brazilian doubles duo of Marcelo Melo and Bruno Soares in action at the ATP Rio Open; Getty Images

: Johanna Larsson in action during her second-round loss to qualifier Paula Cristina Goncalves at the WTA Rio Open; Getty Images

: qualifier Paula Cristina Goncalves celebrates her victory over No.2 seed Johanna Larsson at the WTA Rio Open; Getty Images

: A view over Quadra Guga Kuerten during the Rafael Nadal v Nicolas Almagro second-round match at the ATP Rio Open; Getty Images

: Rafael Nadal in action during his second-round victory over Nicolas Almagro at the ATP Rio Open; Getty Images

: Nicolas Almagro in action during his second-round loss to Rafael Nadal at the ATP Rio Open; Getty Images

: Rafael Nadal celebrates his second-round victory over Nicolas Almagro at the ATP Rio Open; Getty Images