David Ferrer ended Rafael Nadal's quest for an historic fourth consecutive Grand Slam title as he beat the injured one world number one 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 in their Australian Open quarter-final Wednesday, DPA reported.
Nadal, who had been seeking a "Rafa Slam" of four straight non-calendar year majors, lost a 17-minute second game of the match, dropping a serve as he appeared to be dealing with a left hamstring problem.
The top seed was lethargic from the start of the contest which mimicked his 2010 quarter-final loss to Andy Murray - also through injury retirement.
It was Ferrer's fourth victory over Nadal, against 11 losses, with his last victory in 2007. Nadal had won their last seven matches.
Ferrer will play a Friday semi-final against Andy Murray, the 2010 finalist against Roger Federer.
Nadal had reached the semi-finals in nine of the last 11 Grand Slams with his most recent loss at this level being the Melbourne quarters a year ago due to a right knee injury.