Nadal sets up Murray encounter

Defending champion Rafael Nadal set up a blockbuster quarter-final against Andy Murray after overcoming big-serving Ivo Karlovic at the Australian Open.

Despite dropping a set the Spaniard did enough to win 6-4 4-6 6-4 6-4.

"Today the match is probably one of the most difficult matches to play well because is without rhythm all the time," Nadal said. "So the victory is the only thing in this kind of match, and I did that."

He added: "I think I returned aggressive and when I had a chance to get a racquet on the ball I did well."

Nadal's win sets up a difficult last-eight clash against Murray, who is yet to drop a set this week.

The Spaniard's recent record against top-10 players is also not good, having won just once in his past 11.

Despite that Nadal was unconcerned, adding: "The numbers are the numbers, so it is probably not the best form of my career against the top 10.

"But I am happy with the draw. The most important thing is I am in quarter-finals and I have only lost two sets. Andy is one of the more difficult players to play against. I will have to play my best tennis."

Marin Cilic gained some revenge over fourth seed Juan Martin del Potro as he dumped the US Open champion out in five sets.

Cilic, the 14th seed, lost to Del Potro at this stage last year while the Argentinian also knocked him out en route to his success at Flushing Meadows. The 21-year-old Croatian fired 71 winners as well as 20 aces to win 5-7 6-4 7-5 5-7 6-3 in four hours and 38 minutes on Hisense Arena.