Rafael Nadal's charmed grand slam run has come to an end as the world No.1 prepares to face his sternest big-stage test since his historic 10th French Open final triumph.
Nadal takes on big-hitting Wimbledon finalist Marin Cilic on Tuesday for a place in the Australian Open semi-finals.
Incredibly, the Spaniard hasn't faced a top-25 rival since avenging his shattering 2014 Melbourne Park finals defeat to Stan Wawrinka in last year's Roland Garros title decider in Paris.
Nadal collected his second US Open title during his 15-match streak against relative tour lesser lights, but now must up the ante to keep his hopes of a 17th grand slam crown alive.
"You can't expect easy matches when you're playing in big tournaments," Nadal said after advancing to his 10th quarter-final in Melbourne.
And there was certainly nothing easy about his gritty 6-3 6-7 (4-7) 6-3 6-3 fourth-round win over Diego Schwartzman on Sunday.
The dogged and diminutive Argentine kept the top seed on court for almost four hours, leaving the great Spaniard believing he's well prepared for a second-week title assault.
"It was a good test for me. It was a lot of hours on court. Moments under pressure," Nadal said.
"Yeah, it was a while since I played tough matches.
"I prefer to win in two hours than in four. But being honest, too, moments like this helps to be more confident in yourself, in your body.
"And now we start the second week. Quarter-finals already. Now is the moment to make a step forward, to play again more aggressive.
"I know I'm going to have a tough opponent in front now, Cilic."
Sixth-seeded Cilic, the 2014 US Open champion, is very much up for the challenge and making no secret of his intentions.
"My goal in this year is to win a grand slam. One or more would be good," the Croat said.
"Obviously looking at the rankings, last year I reached No.4 and No.5, finished season at the No.6.
"But looking at this year, my goal is to finish in top 5. It's a big challenge, but I'm improving every single year.
"That's a challenge that I want to succeed in."
The winner will play either Bulgarian world No.3 Grigor Dimtrov or unseeded Brit Kyle Edmund in Thursday night''s first men's semi-final at Rod Laver Arena.
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