Rafael Nadal sees off Raonic in straight sets to book Australian Open semi-final place

The Spaniard's victory moves him one step closer to a potential ninth grand slam final against Roger Federer.

Rafael Nadal is back in a grand slam semi-final for the first time in three years after dispatching third seed Milos Raonic at the Australian Open.

Nadal has not made the last four of a major tournament since the 2014 French Open but he now stands two wins away from a 15th grand slam triumph after beating Raonic 6-4 7-6 (9/7) 6-4.