Monfils tops Kuznetsov in 4 sets to book maiden quarterfinals spot

In a battle of the gaunt at the Margaret Court Arena, 23rd-seeded Frenchman Gael Monfils beat unseeded Russian Andrey Kuznetsov in four sets - 7-5, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7) - to advance to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open for the first time in his career.

An ever-agile Monfils delighted the crowd, as the 29-year-old Paris-born entertainer won the match with his trademark acrobatic style, hitting the hard court more than once while lunging for returns.

Kuznetsov's serve underwhelmed, as did his return game, as the Aussie Open's last remaining unseeded player won only 26 percent of receiving points and failed to register an ace against the lanky Frenchman. Monfils' first serve was considerable, as was his 94 percent of net points won.

The 2008 French Open semifinalists will now be tasked with returning one of the tour's most intimidating serves, as Monfils will face 13th-seeded Canadian Milos Raonic with a semifinals berth on the line in what could be a career-defining tournament for both players.