(Reuters) – World No. 2 Rafael Nadal routed Tomas Berdych 6-0 6-1 7-6(4) in a centre court masterclass to charge into the quarter-finals of the Australian Open on Sunday. The 2009 champion was relentless at Rod Laver Arena, claiming the first two sets in an astonishing 51 minutes and firing 32 winners past the hapless Czech to reach the last eight at Melbourne Park for the 11th time.
Rafa, who avenged his defeat to the former world number four in the quarter-final of the 2015 tournament, sealed the win on his first match point when the Czech hammered into the net.
After the match, Rafa said:
It’s true he had more mistakes than usual. I’m very happy to be in the quarter-finals again.
I always say the same when I am back from injuries, I don’t expect negative things or positive things. I just try to do my work and be there with the right attitude every day. When you are back you need a bit of luck at the beginning. Let’s see what can happen now.
He next plays 21-year-old Frances Tiafoe, who gave himself the best birthday present by defeating Grigor Dimitrov in four sets earlier today.
Rafa:
It’s going to be the first time we play each other. He’s playing great. He’s super quick and he’s able to change direction fast. He has a huge forehand, good serve. So let’s see!
Source: Reuters
Congratulations great performance 👍🎾😘💪🏆🇺🇸
Rafa very well played ,keep up you can win it all
great win rafa. Cilic is out so you dont have to worry about him anymore in this tournament. Also Federer is in trouble hopefully tsispas will beat him
Great win, Rafael. Smart replies to Courier😍 it has been hard work to reach this point-so, continued
success and stay strong.🍀💪👍🤛❤️
🇬🇧Well done Rafa what a great match definitely worth getting up early for, heres to the next one 😘xx
Great one Rafa your we’re fantastic
Cool off take a rest
Look after Maria like I know you do 🥰😍💕
See you in the next round champ 😁👀😇
What a match!!! Well done champ. Take rest and than all the best for the match against Tiafoe. Vamos Rafa <3
BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : )
Wowsers! See ya Tommy bye bye! Rafa is on FIRE! xox
That was some performance! Congrats Rafa. Vamos💪💪💪