Rafa Nadal remains on course for a potential repeat of last year's magnificent final against five-time champion Roger Federer, after a convincing victory over England's hero, Andy Murray.

The British number one, who staged a thrilling comeback to beat Richard Gasquet and reach the quarter-finals, went down 6-3 6-2 6-4 on Centre Court.

Rafa was simply too good for Murray as he continued the impressive form he has shown throughout the tournament. Murray never threatened to break - winning only nine points on his opponent's serve - while he was constantly struggling to hold his own serve.

Murray's own verdict told the story.

"He played so much better than me," said the British star. "I didn't feel I played my best which was disappointing. He was hitting the ball so close to the line and so hard, I was rushed on every point.

"You just have to keep fighting and hope his level goes down a bit but I had no chances on his serve at all."

Rafa forced Murray to recover from 15-40 down in his second service game as he enjoyed a strong start to their last-eight match. And when the Spaniard moved 15-40 ahead on the Murray serve once again in the eighth game, he was able to clinch the crucial first break.

Rafa comfortably served out the set to establish a 1-0 lead and Murray was then broken again in the third game of the second set when he served a double-fault at 0-40.

A further break consolidated Rafa's position of strength and he went on to wrap up the set 6-2.

Murray battled again to hold serve in the early stages of the third set, but Rafa - who had won the previous six sets between the two men going into this match - broke again for a 4-3 lead.

Despite fighting back from a similar position against Gasquet, there was no way back for Murray as world number two Nadal comfortably served out the match.

Murray added the long match against Gasquet in the previous round had not affected him.

"I felt like I'd recovered well. I didn't feel the legs were all that heavy. The Gasquet match had no bearing on the match whatsoever."

Meanwhile, Rafa was delighted with his display.

"I played my best match here against difficult opposition," he said. "I played very aggressive all the time and tried to hit with big power and attack his second serve."

As for Murray, the Spaniard said: "He will be in the top five very soon and will have good chances to win here at Wimbledon."