Nadal, Barty storm into Quarters at Australian Open

World number two, Rafael Nadal defeated Italy’s Fabio Fognini 6-3 6-4 6-2 in straight sets to book his place in the last 8 of the tournament. The Spaniard is yet to drop a single set in this year’s tournament and is set to face his first top 10 opponent in Greece’s Kostas Tsitsipas in the Quarterfinals after Tsitsipas progressed as a result of Matteo Berrettini’s withdrawal from their fourth round clash due to injury.

Russia’s 7th ranked Andrey Rublev was in the lead against Casper Ruud 6-2 7-6 before Ruud retired from the match due to injury in their fourth round encounter. Rublev will now face fellow Russian, Daniil Medvedev after Medvedev overcame America’s Mackenzie McDonald 6-4 6-2 6-3 in straight sets.

Women’s world number 1, Ashleigh Barty defeated America’s Shelby Rogers 6-3 6-4 to progress to the last 8, where she will do battle with Czech Karolina Muchova, who defeated Belgium’s Elise Mertens 7-6 7-5 to qualify.

Jessica Pegula continued her amazing run as she defeated Ukraine’s world number 5, Elina Svitolina 6-4 3-6 6-3 in three sets to qualify for the quarterfinals where she will be facing fellow American, Jennifer Brady after Brady defeated Donna Vekic 6-1 7-5 in the round of 16.