RAFAEL NADAL beat an angry Nick Kyrgios 6-3 3-6 7-6 7-6 to reach the Australian Open quarter-finals.
The local hero had been in fine form during the first week in Melbourne but was undone by the world No1.
Kyrgios came out on to Rod Laver Arena and conducted the warm-up wearing a Kobe Bryant jersey in tribute to the late NBA legend who passed away on Sunday.
But the Aussie came up against an inspired Nadal who was determined to improve his winning record against nemesis Kyrgios.
And despite a late fightback from the No23 seed, it was the 2009 champion who prevailed and will face Dominic Thiem in the last eight.
More to follow
