Nadal was resolute against the man who eliminated him from the US Open in 2015, securing a 6-3 6-4 6-2 win in Rod Laver Arena.

While the scoreline might suggest otherwise, world No 2 Nadal was tested by the flamboyant Italian, needing two hours and 16 minutes to progress to the final eight.

Fognini even led 4-2 in the second set, but Nadal’s counter-punching saw him avoid a more trying encounter.

Having overturned the second-set deficit, 2009 champion Nadal hit his stride in the final frame to wrap up the victory and move one step closer to his goal of a 21st major trophy – which would see him pull clear of rival Roger Federer.

The quarter-finals will see the Spaniard take on either Stefanos Tsitsipas or Matteo Berrettini, who meet in the fourth round later on Monday.