NEW YORK, September 5, 2017

Rafael Nadal advanced to his seventh US Open quarterfinal and his first since winning
the 2013 title, beating Alexandr Dolgopolov from the Ukrian 6-2, 6-4, 6-1 on Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday afternoon.

The World No. 1 was in total control of the encounter, didn’t lose his serve and converted six of his own 13 break point opportunities to secure victory in one hour and 41 minutes.

“I think I played a solid match,” said the 31-year-old Spaniard. “I played with not many mistakes. I know Dolgopolov is a player who can play amazing shots but sometimes he can be a little bit unpredictable.

“He combines amazing points with mistakes. I tried to be very focused with my serve and to wait for the opportunities on the return. I’m in the quarter-finals in New York, that’s a positive result for me and I’m looking forward to trying to be playing better.”

Nadal will next take on 19-year-old Andrey Rublev. The #NextGenATP Russian stormed into the stage of the final eight at a Grand Slam for the first time, as he upset ninth seed David Goffin 7-5, 7-6, 6-3 on Louis Armstrong Stadium. The encounter lasted two hours and five minutes.

“I’m just going to try to enjoy it and that’s it,” said Rublev of facing Nadal. “This is going to be a good challenge for me to see how far I am from the top players and how much more I need to work. So we’ll see.

“I would say [Nadal] has amazing legs. He has amazing defence. And for me, I have a good shots. I can play really fast, in fast rhythm. I think this is my main game.”

Pliskova Cruises

World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova produced her best performance of this year’s US Open to reach the quarterfinals with a 6-1, 6-0 win over home hope Jennifer Brady in only 45 minutes.

“I think she was a little bit nervous,” Pliskova said of the 22-year-old Brady during an on-court interview following the match.

“It was her first time on Ashe so I tried to take advantage of that.”