Melbourne, Jan 25 (IANS) World No.3 Rafael Nadal cruised into the Australian Open quarter-finals for the eighth time Sunday as he defeated Kevin Anderson 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 at Melbourne Park.
The 28-year-old Nadal was runner-up in his past two appearances in Melbourne, in 2012 and 2014, and is looking to win the title for the second time, following victory in 2009.
The left-hander will face Czech Tomas Berdych, who defeated Bernard Tomic 6-2, 7-6(3), 6-2.
Nadal leads Berdych 18-3 in their head to head record and has won their past 17 contests, not losing to the Czech since 2006.