VIDEO Rafael Nadal Beats Gael Monfils At Australian Open; Who Will Rafa Meet In the Quarterfinals

Rafael Nadal has survived a fightback from Gael Monfils to reach his first Grand Slam quarterfinal in close to two years at the Australian Open.

After a tough five-set win over young German Alexander Zverev in the previous round, Nadal looked set for a more comfortable evening Monday under the lights of Rod Laver Arena. He cruised into a two-set advantage, but then faded as a rejuvenated Monfils hit back to take the third.

When the sixth-seeded Frenchman went up a break in the fourth set, it appeared Nadal would be taken the distance yet again. Instead, the 30-year-old showed his stamina reserves remained plenty stocked to break Monfils' serve twice and claim a 6-3 6-3 4-6 6-4 win in five minutes shy of three hours.

Nadal will now play third seed Milos Raonic in his first Major quarterfinal since the 2015 French Open.

"I had chances to have a break in the third ... Didn't play my best game at 4-4,” Nadal said afterward in an on-court interview. “You are [then] under problems against a player like him. [In the fourth set] I think against Gael had a few mistakes in a row and played a good backhand on the break point. That game was the world. [I told myself] if I come back I think I have a few chances.

"I’m very happy being in the quarterfinals in a Grand Slam after a couple of years without being there, is very special for me and especially here in Australia, where it feels a little like home, crowd is always supporting me.”

Gael Monfils vs Rafael Nadal Highlights ᴴᴰ...by pavliktns

Nadal’s previous Grand Slam quarterfinal saw his reign at the French Open ended by Novak Djokovic. But neither defending Australian Open champion Djokovic nor new world No. 1 Andy Murray will be a factor in Melbourne after both suffered shocking early exits.

Despite missing much of the second half of last season due to injury, suddenly the prospect of an unlikely run to a 15th Grand Slam title and second title in Melbourne has become a genuine possibility for the player seeded ninth in Melbourne. But the Spaniard was well aware that he will face a tough test up next in the last eight against third seed Milos Raonic.

"[Against Raonic I have to] play very, very well, that's the only way,” Nadal said. “He beat me a couple of weeks ago in Brisbane. It was a tough game. He's a top player with an amazing serve, so I need to be focused with my serve and wait for opportunities on my return."