Rafael Nadal in familiar territory

RAFA Nadal really hit his stride to reach his fifth straight quarter-final at the Australian Open and will be keen to keep the momentum going against fellow Spaniard David Ferrer this morning.

The world No 1, on a quest to become the third man to hold all four grand slam titles at once, has not lost a set at Melbourne Park this year but anticipates a tough test in his 15th career meeting with his seventh-seeded compatriot.

"We know each other perfectly, we played a lot of times against each other," said the 24-year-old, who holds an 11-3 record against Ferrer but lost their last grand slam clash at the 2007 US Open. "I think he's a fantastic player to spend so many years in the top positions.

"That's very difficult to do. So all respect to him. I know it's gonna be a really, really difficult match."

Victory in the match on Rod Laver Arena would set up a semi-final with either British fifth seed Andy Murray or surprise package Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov, who play earlier.