Nadal dominates

Nadal broke the 31st seed's serve on seven occasions to claim victory on Rod Laver Arena in two hours and three minutes and reach the last 16 for the second time.

Nadal came into the event with a cloud over his fitness after withdrawing from the Sydney tune-up event with a groin twinge, but he now looks on course to book a dream final match-up against champion Roger Federer.

"I played my best today for sure," said Nadal after equalling his previous best Australian Open performance.

"I feel very comfortable with my forehand, with my serve, with my backhand too. Today I played a very complete match.

"I am very happy because if I keep playing like this, I have a chance for a win."

He next plays the winner of the third-round clash between Britain's 15th seed Andy Murray and Argentina's Juan Ignacio Chela.

"We will see. If it is Murray, it is going to be very difficult match. If it's Chela, too. Murray's improving his game. He's very young. Just one less (year younger) than me. He started the season well in Doha playing the final. We will see."