Rafael Nadal follows Roger Federer after reaching last eight in Melbourne

The 20-time Major champion Rafael Nadal has stayed on the court for the elusive 21st crown, beating Fabio Fognini 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in two hours and 16 minutes.

Dealing with a minor back injury for two weeks, Nadal managed to win all four Melbourne's encounters in straight sets and advance into the quarters in style, preserving energy for the more serious challengers. The Spaniard suffered two breaks and stole Fognini's serve six times to control the scoreboard, overcoming a 4-2 deficit in set number two and sailing over the finish line in the third.

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Thus, Nadal is through to his 13th Australian Open quarter-final, becoming the second player in the Open era to achieve that after Roger Federer, with Novak Djokovic standing right behind him at 12. At 34 years and eight months, the Spaniard is the fifth-oldest quarter-finalist in Melbourne after Ken Rosewall, Roger Federer Mal Anderson and Stan Wawrinka.

Starting at the last year's Roland Garros, Rafa has scored 11 consecutive straight-set victories, becoming the third player in the Open era with 33 sets won in a row at Majors after John McEnroe (35) and Roger Federer (36).

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Nadal will match Roger Federer's record from 2007 if he beats Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets on Wednesday.