Nadal beats Nishikori and pass to the next round

After defeating the Japanese Kei Nishikori 7-6 (7/3), 7-5, 7-6 (7/3), the Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal, number one in the ATP, qualified on Monday in Melbourne to the quarterfinals of the Australia Open.

After 3 hours and 17 minutes, Nadal managed to beat his opponent and will play against Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov in the next round. Dimitrov won his pass after defeating the Spanish Roberto Bautista (6-3, 3-6, 6-2, 6-4).

Nadal had many more problems against Nishikori who performed effectively like a  fighter, but was less psychologically strong than his rival in the crucial moments.

About his Japanese rival, current 17 in the world, Nadal said “he is a very complete player.  Matches against him are always tough in each surface. It’s quick and able to do things more difficult in tennis. He has the potential to be in the Top 10 of the ATP. ”

“I’m disappointed because I had some chances to win one set and I could not. During the two tie-breaks he played much better. Increased his level and did very well,” Nishikori said.