Rafael Nadal defeats Milos Raonic in straight sets to storm into Australian Open semifinal

Spanish tennis ace Rafael Nadal defeated World No. 3 Milos Raonic in the quarterfinals on Wednesday to seal a spot in the semifinals of the Australian Open .

Rafael Nadal overcame a strong challenge from his big-serving Canadian opponent to seal the match in straight sets. Nadal won the match 6-4, 7-6, 6-4.

That winning feeling...

🇪🇸 🇪🇸 🇪🇸#AusOpenpic.twitter.com/BJMeQ0FaEm

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 25, 2017

Nadal shall now face rising Bulgarian tennis star Grigor Dimitrov in the semis for a place in the grand finale.Dimitrov had beaten Belgium's David Goffin to clinch his maiden semifinal berth in the Australian Open.

He's BACK!

Rafa #Nadal through to the semis of the #AusOpen. pic.twitter.com/gFsez3oNqX

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 25, 2017

Nadal had earlier beaten Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 in the fourth round to reach the Australian Open quarterfinals.