(AP) Rafael Nadal defeated Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 in a fourth-round match at the Australian Open, advancing to his 30th Grand Slam quarterfinal.
After a match in which Rafa had difficulty converting break points – six of 17 – the Spanish lefthander clinched it on his second match point with Monfils serving.
2009 champ will next play third-seeded Milos Raonic.
After the match, Rafa said:
I am very happy to be back in the quarter-final of a Grand Slam without being there for a couple of years. The crowd here is always supporting me. I just want to say thank you very much to everybody.
Now, I am a little bit tired. But probably tomorrow I will be a little bit better and hopefully the day after perfect.
I just need to play very, very well [against Raonic]. He’s the third player in the world. He’s a top player with an amazing serve. I will need to wait for my opportunities. (via Australian Open)
Rafael Nadal of Spain arranges his drink bottles in his fourth round match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 22, 2017 – Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain gestures to the ball kid during his fourth round match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 22, 2017 – Source: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain changes his headband in his fourth round match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 22, 2017 – Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain walks to change ends in his fourth round match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 22, 2017 – Source: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backhand in his fourth round match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 22, 2017 – Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)
A ball kid wipes sweat on the court from Rafael Nadal of Spain in his fourth round match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 22, 2017 – Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates set point in his fourth round match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 22, 2017 – Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates match point in his fourth round match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 22, 2017 – Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal is congratulated by France’s Gael Monfils after winning their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 23, 2017. (AP Photo/Andy Brownbill)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal embraces France’s Gael Monfils after winning their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 23, 2017. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates on match point in his fourth round match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 22, 2017 – Source: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates victory to the crowd in his fourth round match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 22, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates match point in his fourth round match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 22, 2017 – Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates match point in his fourth round match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 22, 2017 – Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates victory to the crowd in his fourth round match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 22, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates match point in his fourth round match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 22, 2017 – Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates match point in his fourth round match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 22, 2017 – Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates victory to the crowd in his fourth round match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 22, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates on match point in his fourth round match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 22, 2017 – Source: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates on match point in his fourth round match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 22, 2017 – Source: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates his victory against France’s Gael Monfils during their men’s singles fourth round match on day eight of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 23, 2017. / AFP / SAEED KHAN / IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Jan. 22, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – 23/1/17 Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates winning his Men’s singles fourth round match against France’s Gael Monfils. REUTERS/Thomas Peter
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates match point in his fourth round match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 22, 2017 – Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Xisca Perelló, novia del tenista español Rafael Nadal, sonríe durante el partido de octavos de final del Abierto de Australia de tenis que Nadal disputó contra el galo Gael Monfils en Melbourne, hoy, 23 de enero de 2017. EFE/Tracey Nearmy
Rafael Nadal of Spain acknowledges the crowd after his fourth round match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 22, 2017 – Source: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain acknowledges the crowd after his fourth round match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 22, 2017 – Source: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates match point in his fourth round match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 22, 2017 – Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates victory to the crowd in his fourth round match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 22, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates victory to the crowd in his fourth round match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 22, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Xisca Perelló, novia del tenista español Rafael Nadal, sonríe durante el partido de octavos de final del Abierto de Australia de tenis que Nadal disputó contra el galo Gael Monfils en Melbourne, hoy, 23 de enero de 2017. EFE/Tracey Nearmy
Rafael Nadal of Spain signs autographs for supporters in the crowd after winning his fourth round match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 22, 2017 – Source: Scott Barbour/Getty Images AsiaPac)
This will be Rafa’s first Grand Slam quarter-final appearance in 20 months. His long-term girlfriend, Maria Francisca Perello, is with him in Australia for the first time and he joked “after 10 years my girlfriend finally gets a wild card”.
Congratulation Rafa, best of luck for the next round.
Very excited to know that you advance to the quarter final of the tournament.Rest well so that you can recuperate from the fatigueness. May you be fresh and ready to topple Raonic, I believe in you Rafa.. Vamos.
Raonic is a tough customer and Rafa – as I stated before – is not the Rafa of 3, 4 years ago (you can see it for example in how much more he struggles now with Monfils, compared to three years ago, straight sets). If everything clicks and he takes every opportunity, I see him win against Raonic. And if he beats Raonic, he certainly can get rid of Dimitrov as well.
I agree Raonic is certainly a tough customer and he serves so many aces so breaking his serve does not present too many opportunities. I am hoping that Carlos Moya who coached Raonic last year can give Rafa some insight into how best to beat him.
As Rafa himself has said he needs to play aggressively as that is how Raonic plays. So here’s hoping he abides by that and goes for his shots.
If Rafa wins the quarter finals, and I certainly hope he does, I am not particularly worried about Dimitros. Raonic is the main hurdle.
This is an opportunity as we all know-fight for it. Whoever desires it the most will prevail-as Rafael has stated-you do not win without suffering.🎭
This is great to see! The passion for the game by one of the most passionate of all time is still there. The courts are playing fast and Raonic is a talented player at the top of his game, but each victory is a step toward higher and higher competitive ability and ANYTHING can happen over a 5 set match! Best of luck going forward!
I mean going good.
So happy for Rafa. Hopefully he still has enough power for the next round. He can do it. Always with you. Vamos Rafa <3
Rafa.Big congratulation.
I believe with your current form,you can beat Roanic only just serve good and hold your nerves as you used to some years ago.
I am one of your fans whom when it’s not going when you are I can hardly do anything.
RAFA. GO ON.
I would have been happier without the loss of the third set, but Rafa is looking so much sharper. Milos will be very tough, but Rafa did beat him in Dubai before losing in Brisbane. Hopefully, Moya can help Rafa prepare a winning game plan.
Congratulations Rafa for reaching the qtr-finals in a grand slam. I loved your on-court interview
with Jim Courier. It was so delightful and funny especially when you told him your girlfriend finally got a wild-card to the AO. I love your team, your family, friends and legions of fans all over the world and of course, you, Rafa.
Best wishes in your next round. I know Carlos worked with Milos last year and of course he’ll provide some more insight into the big Canadians’ strengths and weaknesses.
So looking forward to another hard fought, relentless never say die match and attitude.
Vamos, Rafa!!!
Rafa run at the australian open is the same run that federer had at the french open 2009. Similarities are that federer had a tough opponent in haas in the fourth round then he beat monfils in quarterfinal and del potro in the semi final and soderling in the final. Playing two times a five set match.
Nadals run were a tough opponent in the third round named zverev then beating monfils now he has to play raonic and if he wins that propably dimitrov in the semifinal. But one match at a time
Congrats Rafa! I thought you have been moving better and faster with each match. All the very best.
keep calm and rule . Your almost there Rafa . Milos is a tough opponent but your playing very well . All the best for quarters. Serve and return well n you will be the winner
All the best champ
VAMOS
Yay Rafa! Proud of our champ who sort of lost the plot in the third set and early on in the fourth.
And then enough was enough. Rafa broke Monfils trice in succession to take the match away.
A good resistance from the ever entertaining Monfils… I wonder what they said to each other at the net in the end…
So next up, Raonic world number 3!!! Rafa better watch out because Raonic is bringing the big cannon. Good luck there champ.
Rafa vs Federer final? We can dream:)
ci…..ci…..ci…..ci……& ci……: ) : ) 🙂 🙂 VAMOS SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) Excellent match!!!!!! Have a great time & enjoy your beautiful efforts & classy game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) Have a nice evening & enjoy lots & lots & lots of fun playing next! It will be a great match for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) Lots of love & happiness and KUDOS SENIOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : )
BRAVO RAFA TU ERES EL MEJOR DEL CAMPEONATO Y SERAS EL CAMPEON
El 23 ene. 2017 08:12, Rafael Nadal Fans escribió: Rafael Nadal Fans posted: ” (AP) Rafael Nadal defeated Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 in a fourth-round match at the Australian Open, advancing to his 30th Grand Slam quarterfinal. After a match in which Rafa had difficulty converting break points – six of 17 – the Spanish l”