28th of January

UPDATE: Rafa will be arriving at the Australian Open premises around 4:00pm (local time) where he will practice for an hour at around 5:30pm and then will get ready for his quarterfinal match later tonight. 

Rafa Nadal pummeled Chile's Fernando Gonzalez, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4, on Monday to move into the Australian Open quarterfinals. Rafa hit 33 winners of varying angles and touch, fast and slow, on the lines, languid lobs, monstrous power shots. He had only 11 unforced errors, a testament to his precision and deadly calm.

"I am playing well, but you never know if it's going to be enough, I just hope I can continue to do the same and then we’ll see because each match is very, very difficult and the next one is not an exemption”.

“Last year I made it to the semifinals but I think I’m playing a bit better now.  Saying that though, I don’t mean I will get to play the final or that I’m going to make it to the semis again.  It only means that I feel much better than last year”, said Rafa after his win.

Rafa’s next opponent is the number 6 seed, Frenchman Gilles Simon who classified into the quarterfinals of the Open after his friend and compatriot, Gael Monfils retired with a wrist injury.

Rafa and Simon have played 3 times in the past, with Rafa coming out on top in their head-to-head stats by 2 victories against 1. They played in Madrid (2008), Australian Open (2008) and Marseille (2006) - All hard court events.

Their match is scheduled first in the night session of Rod Laver Arena which means it will start no later than 7:30pm (local Melbourne time)

Vamos Rafa!