Rafael Nadal was pleased to be able to raise his intensity against Marin Cilic as he saw off the Croatian comfortably in straight sets.
Nadal had been concerned about his physical condition after a lethargic display against teenager Bernard Tomic on Saturday. The world number one openly wondered whether he was still feeling the effects of the fever which struck him down in Doha at the start of the year.
However against Cilic it was the energetic, vibrant Nadal we are all accustomed to, who took to the court, running out a 6-2, 6-4, 6-3 winner.
"Today I felt very good, no? I didn't sweat like the other days. So that's fantastic news for me,” Nadal said smiling. "Today was the first day that I felt perfect physically."
"I was able to play with high intensity, very good rhythm, playing more inside the court. So play more aggressive, changing rhythms with the slice and with the topspin, backhand. The serve worked better today, So, in general, I think it was a very good match for me and very important victory. So very happy for everything."
Nadal looks on course for a fascinating semi-final against Andy Murray. Murray in particular is in blistering form and that could be one to savour on Friday.
