Rafael Nadal has produced some inspired tennis to move within a match of the Australian Open final with a straight-sets win over Milos Raonic in their quarter-final on Rod Laver Arena.

Nadal last won the title at Melbourne Park in 2009 but stayed on track for another crack with a 6-4 7-6 (9-7) 6-4 victory over the world No.3 Canadian on Wednesday night.

The 30-year-old’s obstacle in the semi-final is Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, who earlier in the day disposed of Belgian David Goffin in straight sets.