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Australian Open: Rafael Nadal through to quarterfinals

Australian Open: Rafael Nadal through to quarterfinals

Rafael Nadal

Story highlights

Rafa was taken to four gruelling sets in almost four hours before winning 6-3, 6-7 (4/7), 6-3, 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena

Rafael Nadal dDiego Schwartzman,16,6-3, 6-7 (4/7)

Rafael Nadal saw offArgentine Diego Schwartzman to win in the fourth round,6-3, 6-7 (4/7), 6-3, 6-3on Rod Laver Arena.

To showcase the abilities of a worldnumber one, hebroke in the eighth game on the way to taking the opening set.

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He encountered stiff resistance in the second set but fought back to take one more step towards the title.

With this win, he ensured that he will beworld number onewhen the new rankings will release.

"Of course, I feellittlebit tired, but yeah good. I was able to keep fighting until the end," he said.

"It is the first big match I played in 2018. I started later than usual so a match like this probably helps because you know that helps confidence in myself.

“That’s confidence for myself - knowing that I can resist almost four hours on court at a good intensity so quarterfinals already... I’m very happy for that,” he added.

This is his 10th Australian Open quarter-final appearance and he will face Croatia's sixth seed Marin Cilic.

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