Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal has set his eyes on winning his fourth Madrid Masters title. Reuters

Rafael Nadal takes on Jarkko Nieminen in the third round of the 2014 Mutua Madrid Open at the Estadio Manolo Santana on Thursday.

Where to Watch Live

The play is scheduled to begin at 2:15pm BST. Live coverage will be on Sky Sports 3 and Sky Sports 3 HD. Real-time internet updates and the live streaming link are available on ATP's official website.

Overview

Nadal remains on course to defend his Madrid Open title after beating Juan Monaco on Wednesday. The World No 1 needed 69 minutes to send the 30-year-old Argentinean packing from the competition in straight sets, 6-1, 6-0.

Meanwhile, 57<sup>th ranked Nieminen set up his third round clash against the Spaniard after defeating 26-year-old Igor Sijsling, 6-3, 6-2, in the second round in straight sets, needing less than 52 minutes.

The 32-year-old Finn extended his winning streak against Robin Haase to 3-0 after beating the 27-year-old Dutchman by a similar scoreline on Monday.

The winner of this third round clash will face either world no 6, Tomas Berdych or 22-year-old Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov in the quarterfinals on Friday.

Head-to-Head

Nadal holds a comfortable 7-0 lead over Nieminen in overall meetings. The pair have clashed three times in Grand Slam events and the Spaniard has prevailed on all occasions.

Mutua Madrid Open History

Nadal and Nieminen will face each other in the Madrid Open for the first time in their careers.

Rafael Nadal