Nadal downs Monfils, moves into quarters

Spanish bull Rafael Nadal has foiled a comeback by sixth-seeded Frenchman Gael Monfils to book an Australian Open quarter-final berth.

Seeded ninth, Nadal looked in full control when up two sets to love before Monfils launched a comeback which fell short 6-3 6-3 4-6 6-4.

Nadal next faces third-seeded Canadian Milos Raonic.

It will be the 30-year-old's ninth appearance in the final eight at Melbourne Park, winning the title in 2009.

Nadal moves into quarter finals. Pic: Getty

It's also the former world No.1's first grand slam quarter final showing since 2015.

Nadal took advantage early of Monfils' inconsistent play.

But Monfils showed there was more to his game than flamboyance as he made the veteran earn the win.

In the fourth set Monfils, 30, broke Nadal and then consolidated to take a 4-2 lead.

However the Spaniard showed his grit to fire a backhand winner and break back.

In a run of eight points, Nadal wrested back control of the match with an error by Monfils sealing the win on the second match point.

"I'm very happy to be in the quarter finals in a grand slam again," said Nadal, who made a first round exit from Melbourne Park last year.

"Especially here in Australia where I feel at home."

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