(CNN) There is no disputing that Rafael Nadal is the "King of Clay" and the world No.1 further enhanced his status by breaking John McEnroe's 34-year-old record for consecutive set wins on a single surface.

The Spaniard took his winning streak to 50 sets in a row with a 6-3 6-4 win over Diego Schwartzman, the world No.16, in the Madrid Open.

Nadal, 31, broke McEnroe's 49-set winning run, achieved on carpet in 1984.

"When my career is over, these are things that are going to be there for always," he said afterward.

"They are big records. It's difficult to be able to win 50 sets in a row. But I've done it. Well, it's done. It's over. Let's not talk about that any more and let's continue on what we have ahead, which is what I am concerned about."

Five-time champion Nadal -- who has won in Barcelona and Monte Carlo this year -- will next play Dominic Thiem for a place in the semifinal.

Photos: How the final was won The trophy was sweet for Roger Federer after he won a 20th major at the Australian Open. Hide Caption 1 of 10 Photos: How the final was won The roof was closed at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne due to extreme heat. Hide Caption 2 of 10 Photos: How the final was won Federer was in form early on against Marin Cilic, breezing in the first set. Hide Caption 3 of 10 Photos: How the final was won But Cilic hung on early in the second and the 2014 US Open winner claimed the second-set tiebreak to level. Hide Caption 4 of 10 Photos: How the final was won The third set resembled the first. Federer coasted on serve and earned the lone break. Hide Caption 5 of 10 Photos: How the final was won But Cilic didn't go away, forcing a fifth set. Hide Caption 6 of 10 Photos: How the final was won That's when the pro-Federer crowd got even louder. Hide Caption 7 of 10 Photos: How the final was won Federer saved two break points to start the set, then broke immediately. That was that. Hide Caption 8 of 10 Photos: How the final was won An emotional Federer wept during the trophy presentation. Hide Caption 9 of 10 Photos: How the final was won And then it was time for more pictures. He's been in that position 20 times now in grand slam finals. Hide Caption 10 of 10

Fifth seed Thiem, who came from a set and a break down to defeat Croatian Borna Coric 2-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-4, was the man Nadal beat in last year's Madrid Open final.