Australian Open Recap (Men): Nadal, Dimitrov Power Into Last Eight

Top seed Rafael Nadal is through to the quarter-finals at the ongoing Australian Open after he defeated Diego Schwartzman of Argentina in four sets.

The 31-year old saw off 24th seed Schwartzman 6-3 6-7 (4-7) 6-3 6-3 in three hours and 51 minutes on Rod Laver Arena to set up a quarter-final meeting with Marin Cilic of Croatia.

Speaking after his victory, the 16-time Grand Slam title winner said: “It was a great battle. He is a good friend of mine.”

“He is a great player, in all aspects, and I feel that for a lot of moments he was serving well.

“I was able to keep fighting until the end and it is the first big match I have played in 2018. It probably helps my confidence, knowing I can resist almost four hours on court.” he concluded.

Sixth seed Cilic booked his spot in the last eight following a 6-7 (7-2) 6-3 7-6 (7-0) 7-6 (7-3) victory over Spanish 10th seed Pablo Carreno Busta.

Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria is also through to the last eight after he ended Australia’s hopes of a first men’s champion since 1976 with a four-set victory over Nick Kyrgios.

The third seed saw off Krygios 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 7-6 (7-4) and will now face Britain tennis star Kyle Edmund on Tuesday for a place in the semi-final.

Dimitrov praised Krygios’ fighting spirit afterwards. He said: “Playing against Nick is always tricky, two weeks ago I lost against him. He was serving unbelievably, playing unbelievably.”

“He fought really hard and it’s one of those matches you have to take any opportunity you have.

“Even serving for the match I felt it wasn’t over. I am just glad to get through that match.”

Kyrgios also returned the complement by stating that he believes his conqueror could go on to lift a first Grand Slam title next Sunday.

Krygios, 22, said: “It was a tough match – I knew it would be.”

“He hasn’t found his best form yet, and he is still getting through all these matches, which is frightening.

“Once he finds his feet and gets more confidence, he has a real chance of winning. Sometimes I think he lacks a bit of belief. He’s got the game so hopefully he can believe in himself and he can go all the way.” he concluded.