Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal in action during his straight sets victory over Philipp Kohlschreiber in the second round of the 2016 Rome Masters Getty

Rafael Nadal takes on Nick Kyrgios in the men's singles round of 16 clash of the Rome Masters on Thursday (12 May).

Where to watch live

Match starts at 2.30pm BST. Live coverage in the UK is on Sky Sports Interactive. Click here for the live streaming link. Live scores and regular updates will be available on ATP's official website.

Overview

Rafael Nadal continued his quest for an eighth Rome Masters title with a straight sets win over Philipp Kohlschreiber in the second round as he looks for his second ATP 1000 title of the season following his win at the Monte Carlo Masters. The world number five will hope to get back in top form ahead of the French Open, which eluded him in 2015.

The Spaniard was beaten by Andy Murray in the semi-finals at the Madrid Open last week and is likely facing a meeting with Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals in Rome if both win their matches on Thursday.

Nick Kyrgios is coming up against Nadal for the first time since he defeated him at the 2014 Wimbledon and will be keen to continue his record over the Spaniard. But this time around he will be facing the nine-time French Open champion on his favourite surface. The Australian is capable of beating any of the top players on his day but will find it hard against Nadal, who is rediscovering his form on the red clay.

Betting odds (betfair)

  • Rafael Nadal to win: 3/10
  • Nick Kyrgios to win: 11/5

Head-To-Head

The duo have faced each other just once prior to their clash on Thursday (12 May) and it was at Wimbledon in 2014. Kyrgios pulled off a shock victory in the Round of 16 to announce his arrival on the ATP tour.

Rome Masters history

Nadal and Kyrgios have not played each other at the Rome Masters.