Rafael Nadal progressed to the quarterfinals of the Brazil Open on Thursday with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Brazilian Joao Souza. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

>SAO PAULO, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Rafael Nadal progressed to the quarterfinals of the Brazil Open on Thursday with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Brazilian Joao Souza.

The result follows the Spaniard`s withdrawal from the double`s event on Wednesday amid concerns a heavy workload could compromise his recovery from a seven-month layoff with a knee injury.

The former world No. 1 faces Argentine Carlos Berlocq, who defeated eighth-seeded Albert Ramos of Spain.

The Brazil Open is Nadal`s second tournament since suffering a left knee injury during his second-round Wimbledon defeat to Czech Lukas Rosol in June last year.

The 11-time grand slam winner, who had a bye in the first round, won the event as an 18-year-old in 2005.