Australian Open Recap: Nadal, Dimitrov Secure Respective Last 16 Spots

Top seed Rafael Nadal is through to the fourth round of the men’s event at the ongoing Australian Open after his straight-set win over Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia.

The 31-year old world number one saw off his opponent 6-1 6-3 6-1 win over Bosnia’s Damir Dzumhur in their third-round clash in one hour and 50 minutes.

He will now face Diego Schwartzman of Argentina for a place in the quarter-final in his quest for a 2nd Australian Open title.

The Spaniard has won all three of his previous matches against the world number 26 Argentine and is massive favourite to reach the last eight.

2017 Wimbledon runner-up Marin Cilic will face 10th seed Pablo Carreno Busta after the Croat defeated American Ryan Harrison 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 7-6 (7-4).

Third seed Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria is through to the fourth round after he came through a tough match against 30th seed Andrey Rublev in over three hours to win 6-3 4-6 6-4 6-4 thus booking a last 16 meeting with home favourite Nick Krygios

Speaking afterwards about his win, Dimitrov said: “These are most important matches when things are not working and I am able to find a way.”

“Physically I am feeling good and the heat didn’t scare me. That is a good sign.” he added.

On the prospect of facing Kyrgios, and the majority of the crowd, Dimitrov added: “I’ve done it many times before.”

“I’ve played against the local, so to speak. That’s part of the game.” he added.

Kyrgios is the last man standing for the Australians out of the nine that featured in the men’s main draw this year.

He kept home hopes alive with a five-set victory over Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

The 22-year-old 17th seed saw off 15th seed Tsonga 7-6 (7-5) 4-6 7-6 (8-6) 7-6 (7-5) in their third round clash.