Rafael Nadal Powers Into Tokyo Quarters

Rafael Nadal was back in action earlier today in Tokyo as he saw off Canadian teenager Milos Raonic to reach the quarter finals.

The Spaniard, who became the youngest man to do the career Grand Slam last month at the US Open, broke early in the first set to take a 2-1 lead.

And even with the break under his belt he didn't take his foot off the gas as he ran the young Canadian from side to side with some powerful shots.

The single break was enough for the top seed and world number one to take the opening set 6-4.

But Raonic looked more comfortable in the second set as he put pressure on the Nadal serve in the fifth game, he fought off four break points to hold 3-3.

But then the Spaniard put his foot on the gas to reel off three of the next four games to seal the second set 6-4 and close the match in seventh three minutes.

Speaking to Times Live after the match Nadal said: "That was a tough win against a difficult opponent. Anything can happen. His serve is huge.

"I converted both of my break points which is what you have to do against a big server. I’m fresh mentally and that is sometimes not so easy this late in the season."

Nadal will now face Dmitry Tursunov for a spot in the semi final as the Russian saw off Richard Gasquet 7-6 (7-2) 1-6 6-4 in what was a topsy turvy match.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw