Nadal advances to quarterfinals at Australian Open

Rafael Nadal of Spain reaches for a ball to Kei Nishikori of Japan during their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 20, 2014. AP

MELBOURNE, Australia — Top-ranked Rafael Nadal has advanced to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open after a 7-6 (3), 7-5, 7-6 (3) win over Kei Nishikori of Japan.

Nadal is trying to win the Australian Open for the second time — his first title came in 2009 — and secure the 14th major of his career, equal with Pete Sampras and three behind Roger Federer’s leading total of 17. The Australian Open is the only major he hasn’t won at least twice.

It’s the seventh time in Nadal’s last seven appearances at Melbourne Park that he’s advanced to the quarterfinals. He didn’t play the Australian Open last year due to a left knee injury and stomach virus.

Nadal will play 22-year-old Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov on Wednesday.