Seven-time champion Rafael Nadal methodically wore down Denis Shapovalov in a 6-4, 6-1 win to reach the Italian Open quarterfinals and gain a measure of revenge against the Canadian teenager.
Shapovalov saved eight break points in his opening two service games before finally dropping his serve midway through the first set on Thursday.
Shapovalov, who is ranked a career-high No 29 this week, stunned Nadal in the third round in Montreal last year to deny the Spaniard a chance at regaining the No 1 ranking.
Nadal is also attempting to regain the top spot this week. He'll replace Roger Federer at No 1 if he wins an eighth Rome title. Nada will next face Fabio Fognini, who beat Peter Gojowczyk 6-4, 6-4 to reach his first quarterfinal in 11 appearances at his home tournament.
The temperamental Fognini slammed his racket midway through the second set and received a warning from the chair umpire but otherwise held his composure to follow up an impressive win over Dominic Thiem a day earlier.
Also, ninth-seeded David Goffin was leading 6-2, 4-5 when Juan Martin del Potro retired because of a groin injury; and 10th-seeded Pablo Carreno Busta beat Aljaz Bedene 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-2.
In the women's tournament, Simona Halep's hold on the No 1 ranking received a boost when American opponent Madison Keys withdrew from their match due to a right rib injury.
Halep needed to reach the quarterfinals and progress further than No 2 Caroline Wozniacki to hold onto the top spot, and she accomplished the first task.