World number one Rafael Nadal is just three wins away from winning his second Australian Open title after overcoming a relentless challenge from 16th-seed Kei Nishikori of Japan in the fourth round of the Australian Open 2014 tournament. The Spaniard won in straight sets 7-6, 7-5, 7-6.
Nadal praised the Japanese star for the great match.
“I think he’s a fantastic player, he’s able to hit the ball very early, that’s very difficult and he’s dong it very easy,” the Mallorcan said.
“The ball was coming back very quick and [it] was very difficult for me to take the position inside the court,” he added.
Nadal will be facing Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov in the quarterfinals. The 22nd-seed ended the magnificent run of Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut. Nadal is looking forward to the upcoming match.
“He’s amazing; he has everything to be [the] next big star, he already is,” said Nadal.
“For me is a great result to be in quarterfinals after missing last year.”
