Australian Open: World No.1 Rafael Nadal beats spirited rival Nick Kyrgios in four sets

World no. 1 Rafael Nadal is through to his 12th quarter-final in Melbourne after beating rival Nick Kyrgios in Australian Open.

The former Australian Open champion Nadal won 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/4) in three hours and 38 minutes. 

They don't call him the world No.1 for nothing 

After 3 hours and 38 minutes @RafaelNadal def. Nick Kyrgios 6-3 3-6 7-6(6) 7-6(4) to advance to his 12th #AusOpen quarterfinal.#AO2020 pic.twitter.com/a14tlkZWKt

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2020

It is the 41st Major quarter-final for Nadal overall, securing the third place on the list long with Jimmy Connors. He is only trailing behind Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

As for the epic clash, the Aussie hit 25 aces but it wasn't enough to help him get through.

The Spaniard produced more efficient shots on both the first and second serve to face only three break points in the entire clash, suffering two breaks that almost cost him dearly.

Nadal will now face fifth seed Dominic Thiem after the Austrian swept past Gael Monfils 6-2, 6-4, 6-4.

"What can I say about Nick? When he is playing like today with this positive attitude he gives a lot of positive things to our sport," Nadal said. 

"He's one of the highest talents we have on our tour and I like the Nick Kyrgios during the whole of this tournament.

"I just feel happy that I won one more match tonight, an important one," he added.

Nadal is also looking to match Roger Federer's record 20 Slam crowns. The 33-year-old last year won the French and US Open titles to move within one of his Swiss rival's record tally of 20.