Nadal thrilled by return to Australian Tennis Open quarters

Rafael Nadal returned to the grand slam big‑time by weathering a furious Gael Monfils fightback to win 6‑3 6‑3 4‑6 6‑4 and reach the Australian Tennis Open quarter‑finals.

Former champion Nadal had not reached the last eight in a major since the 2015 French Open.

Novak Djokovic may be absent after his shock second‑round elimination but third seed Milos Raonic looms as a massive roadblock to Nadal's hopes of a first grand slam semi‑final since winning his last French Open in 2014.

Meanwhile, Serena Williams battled a misbehaving serve and scorching heat but stayed cool under pressure in a 7‑5 6‑4 win over Barbora Strycova to reach the Australian Open quarter‑finals.