Roger Federer of Switzerland hits a return to Gilles Simon of France during their men's singles match at the Rome Masters tennis tournament, May 16, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

ROME - Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal brushed aside their opponents to reach the quarterfinals while last year's runner-up Li Na was edged out by two-time champion Jelena Jankovic at the Italian Open on Thursday.

Second seed Roger Federer saw off the challenge of French Gilles Simon 6-1, 6-2 to continute his pursuit of a maiden final in 2013. He will now play Jerzy Janowicz, who beat Richard Gasquet 3-6, 7-6(2), 6-4.

World number one Djokovic dispatched Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-1, 6-4.

The 2008 and 2011 titlist used 60 minutes to wrap up the win and will next play against sixth seed Tomas Berdych, who extended his perfect record to 8-0 against Kevin Anderson in a 7-5, 6-2 win in 84 minutes.

Maria Sharapova of Russia hits a return to Sloane Stephens of the US during their women's singles match at the Rome Masters tennis tournament, May 16, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

Djokovic ran through the first set in 29 minutes, losing just two of his 17 first service points, and got off to a good start in second set. He met some serious challenge in the sixth game having to save two break points before ultimately securing victory.

Berdych hit 25 winners and committed seven unforced errors to book his place in the quarter-finals for the fourth time.

Six-time champion Rafael Nadal overcame a fierce challenge from Latvian qualifier Ernests Gulbis and reached the quarterfinals with a 1-6, 7-5, 6-4 win.

The fifth seed will next face fourth-seeded David Ferrer, who advanced when Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany withdrew because of dizziness.

The only men's seed to lose was No 7 Juan Martin del Potro, who was beaten by 36th-ranked Benoit Paire of France 6-4, 7-6 (3).