AUSTRALIAN OPEN
Relieved Rafa survives, Wozniacki steps up a gear
Melbourne — Rafael Nadal battled through a huge test to make his 10th Australian Open quarterfinal on Sunday as Grigor Dimitrov ousted Nick Kyrgios to join him, while Caroline Wozniacki kicked into top gear in the women’s event. On an overcast and muggy day at Melbourne Park, the Spanish world No1 was up against his most dangerous opponent yet in pocket-rocket Diego Schwartzman, one of the smallest men on tour. The Argentinian 24th seed endeared with his astonishingly powerful groundstrokes before Nadal prevailed 6-3 6-7 (4/7) 6-3 6-3 in almost four hours on Rod Laver Arena. It kept alive his push for a 17th Grand Slam title and also ensured he will remain No1 when the new rankings come out after the tournament. "It was a great battle," said Nadal, who is chasing his second Melbourne title after beating Roger Federer in the 2009 final. "Of course, I feel little bit tired, but I was able to keep fighting until the end." He will play sixth seed Marin Cilic for a place in the semi-fina...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.