Australian Open 2021: Rafael Nadal closer to grand slam record as Ashleigh Barty raises hopes of a home triumph
- Nadal, equal with Roger Federer on 20, outclasses Fabio Fognini to reach the quarter-finals as he searches for his 21st grand slam title
- Barty also advances to the last eight and is aiming to become the first Australian to win her home grand slam in 43 years
Rafael Nadal outclassed Fabio Fognini to close in on the all-time grand slam titles record on Monday as Ashleigh Barty ramped up hopes of becoming the Australian Open’s first home winner in 43 years.
Nadal said his lower back stiffness was continuing to improve after his 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 against the flamboyant Italian, which set up a quarter-final against Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Fognini had registered a five-set win over Nadal at the 2015 US Open, but the Spaniard cantered to victory after recovering from 2-4 down in the second set.
Nadal is now into his 43rd grand slam quarter-final, staying on course for a title match with eight-time winner Novak Djokovic who battled through an abdominal injury to reach the last eight on Sunday.
“I’m happy to be in the quarter-finals today – that means a lot to me, it’s positive stuff,” said Nadal, who is level with Roger Federer on 20 grand slam men’s singles titles.
