Rafael Nadal has hit the ground running at the Australian Open - winning through to the quarter-finals without dropping a set - yet he accepts an improvement is required over the next week if he is to land his 11th Grand Slam title.

Andy Murray saw off the plucky challenge of Edouard Roger-Vasselin to move into the third round of the Australian Open today.

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer eased into the the last 32 of the Australian Open, but Mardy Fish has become the highest seed to exit the tournament.

Rafael Nadal swatted away the threat posed by American qualifier Alex Kuznetsov to reach the second round at the Australian Open.

Rafael Nadal continued his smooth progress at the Australian Open today to set up a third-round meeting with home favourite Bernard Tomic.

Fourth seed Venus Williams began her 12th Australian Open campaign with a straight-sets victory over Italian Sara Errani.

Defending champion Rafael Nadal set up a blockbuster quarter-final against Andy Murray after they both overcame big-serving opponents at the Australian Open.

REIGNING US Open champion Kim Clijsters had a day to forget as she crashed out of the Australian Open yesterday.

Justine Henin today fought back from a set down to keep her Australian Open title quest going just a month after returning from retirement.

World number one Roger Federer sent out an ominous warning to his rivals with the most comfortable of second-round victories over Victor Hanescu at the Australian Open today.

Fifth seed Elena Dementieva ensured the anticipated second-round meeting with Justin Henin will take place after beating Vera Dushevina 6-2 6-1 at the Australian Open today.

Andy Murray crashed out of the Australian Open in five sets today, going down 2-6 6-1 1-6 6-3 6-4 to 14th seed Fernando Verdasco in Melbourne.

Scotland's Andy Murray progressed to the fourth round of the Australian Open in emphatic fashion with a 7-5 6-0 6-3 victory over Jurgen Melzer today.

Elena Dementieva stretched her winning run to 12 matches as she booked her place in the third round of the Australian Open with a 6-4 6-1 win against Iveta Benesova.