Novak Djokovic sets up Rafael Nadal duel

The world number one was imperious throughout, permitting his French opponent just one break of serve, as he ran out victorious 6-1 6-2 6-3.

After spurning an early break point in the second game, Gasquet could only watch as Djokovic fired a flurry of winners to take the first set with ease.

The bombardment continued in the second and third sets, leaving the 20th seed with just a handful of games to show from their 119-minute contest.

It means the hotly-anticipated showdown between Djokovic and Nadal will happen at Roland Garros – with the remainder of the men’s draw now praying for a sapping five-set classic.

Sixth seed Nadal had booked his spot in the last eight only moments earlier with a tough four-set win over American 22-year-old Jack Sock.

Djokovic won the pair’s last meeting on clay at the Monte Carlo Masters in April, but Nadal boasts a 6-0 record against the Serbian at Roland Garros and has already shown plenty of signs in the early rounds that he could yet win an astonishing 10th crown.

Awaiting the winner of that quarter-final will be either Andy Murray or David Ferrer.