Rafael Nadal faces Frances Tiafoe in the Australian Open today

Relentless Rafael Nadal will aim to snuff out the challenge of young giant-killer Frances Tiafoe on Tuesday, while young Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas has eyes on a maiden semi-final after knocking out Roger Federer.

The tournament hits the quarter-final stage in Melbourne with 17-time Grand Slam winner Nadal emerging as a strong title favourite.

The Spaniard has not dropped a set and demolished former world number four Tomas Berdych 6-0, 6-1, 7-6 (7/4) in the fourth round in an awesome display.

Lying in his path is American Tiafoe who has already accounted for the fifth seed Kevin Anderson and become a fans' favourite with his exuberant LeBron James style celebrations and inspiring life story.

The son of immigrants from Sierra Leone, Tiafoe turned 21 on Sunday and celebrated his birthday by beating 20th seed Grigor Dimitrov to reach a Slam quarter-final for the first time.

"I'm so excited to play Rafa. We're going to have some fun, going to have some long rallies."

Nadal said he was aware of the young world number 39, and would be on his guard against a man he had never



played.

"He has everything. He's quick. He serves well. Very quick forehand," said the 2009 champion who is aiming to become the only man in the Open era to win all four Grand Slams at least twice.‘He's dangerous'

"He's a very dynamic player, aggressive one. Of course, he's dangerous. He's in quarter-finals."

Tsitsipas was thrust into the global spotlight after ending double defending champion Federer's quest for a record seventh title.

The gifted 20-year-old has already secured his place in history as the first Greek to reach a Grand Slam quarter-final.

He held off 12 break points before flummoxing the Swiss master in four sets.

He faces another Spaniard, the in-form Roberto Bautista Agut.

The 22nd seed beat Novak Djokovic on his way to the title in Doha earlier this month before ending Andy Murray's hopes, and possibly his career, in the first round in Melbourne.

Bautista Agut is looking to extend his 2019 win streak to 10 matches and a potential all-Spanish semi-final against Nadal.