NEW YORK, September 3, 2018

Rafael Nadal advances to the quarterfinals of the US Open. The World No. 1 defeated Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-3, 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-4 victory on Sunday afternoon on Arthur Ashe Stadium in three hours and 19 minutes.

“Two matches in a row that were very tough ones. I had a chance at the beginning of the third set at 0-40 but if I had broken then it could have been different, but I didn’t,” Nadal said.

“I think I played a good tie-break but he played fantastic. Lots of credit to him, playing great and hitting the ball very strong! He was always able to come back.

“I think I improved my level at the end of the third even though I lost the set and again in the fourth, I was a little more aggressive, he was very very aggressive!

“First two sets were tough with no rhythm. It’s a big victory for me, after a very long one two days ago. I was ready, I fought well and I feel good.”

Next up for Nadal will be Dominic Thiem, who edged out No. 5 seed Kevin Anderson 7-5, 6-2, 7-6(2) in two hours and 37 minutes.

“I am looking forward to our first match on hard court,” Thiem said.

Serena Williams to face Pliskova

While all around her seem to have faltered in the women’s draw this week, Serena Williams showed the rest of the world’s top players how to do it with a battling 6-0, 4-6, 6-3 victory over Kaia Kanepi to reach the stage of the last eight at Flushing Meadows.

Serena will next face Karolina Pliskova from the Czech Republic. The No. 8 seed beat Ashleigh Barty of Australia 6-4, 6-4 in one hour and 24 minutes.