Fit-again Rafael Nadal back to best with dominant display against Marin Cilic

The Spaniard, who is bidding to become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to hold all four major titles simultaneously, set up a quarter-final against countryman David Ferrer after seeing off the big-serving Croatian 6-2, 6-4, 6-3.

Nadal looked out of sorts on Saturday night despite beating Bernard Tomic, but cut a far more composed figure as he offered Cilic few opportunities to cause a shock. And he confirmed afterwards he was over the effects of a virus he contracted in the Middle East before coming to Melbourne.

He said: "I felt very good. I didn't sweat like the other days. In previous days I was sweating like crazy and I was feeling very tired. Today was the first time that I felt perfect physically. And even better news is I played much better than I have in the earlier rounds.

"I was able to play with high intensity, very good rhythm, playing more inside the court. The serve worked better today so it was a very good match for me and very important victory."

The world No 1 set the tone by breaking Cilic in the opening game and another break in game five saw him race into a 4-1 lead.

He duly served it out and, while Cilic had his moments in the second set, there was a sense of inevitability when Nadal broke for a 4-3 lead before going on to clinch the set.

The third followed a similar pattern with the top seed breaking again in game seven and he closed it out when Cilic served a double fault on Nadal's third match point.

"I was a little bit nervous because he is very dangerous," Nadal said. "But I am very happy because I played my best match so far."

His next opponent Ferrer ended the impressive run of Canadian qualifier Milos Raonic, winning 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4.