Rafael Nadal downs Cameron Norrie to hit Australian Open fourth round

The 20-time Major champion Rafael Nadal will compete in the last 16 in Melbourne for the 14th time following a 7-5, 6-2, 7-5 victory over Cameron Norrie in two hours and 14 minutes.

Norrie proved to be a dangerous rival in sets one and three, matching Nadal's pace and falling in the closing stages of both to send Rafa over the top in straight sets. The Spaniard has been dealing with a back injury for a couple of weeks, not playing at 100% but still reaching the fourth round without losing a set.

They traded breaks in games five and six of the opener and stayed neck and neck until game 12 when Rafa grabbed a break at 15 to close the opener after 48 minutes. Carried by that boost, the Spaniard served well in set number two and secured a double break for 6-2, looking good to seal the deal in straight sets. Cameron found his strokes again to challenge a great rival in set number three before Nadal clinched a late break at 6-5 after forcing Norrie's error to move over the top and remain on the title course.