Rafael Nadal is a step closer to a fourth US Open men’s title after overpowering Argentine Diego Schwartzman in straight sets in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.
The Spanish world No.2 beat Schwartzman 6-4 7-5 6-2 to set up a semi-final encounter against Italy’s Matteo Berrettini, who earlier advanced to his first Grand Slam semi-final after a thrilling five-set win over Frenchman Gael Monfils.
The second-seeded Nadal led 4-0 in the first set and 5-1 in the second, only to see 20th seed Schwartzman level on each occasion.
Nadal eventually regrouped though, and managed in the end to prevail in straight sets by winning the last four games.
Nadal spoke of “a tough situation” in the first two sets, saying: “I had some mistakes but I am super happy how I accepted the situation and the challenge.
“Being in the semi-finals is super important for me.”
Nadal’s win at the Arthur Ashe Stadium moved him a step closer to a 19th major title in all, which will be just one short of Swiss ace Roger Federer’s record.
Earlier, Berrettini won a thrilling clash that went for nearly four exhausting hours.
With both players fighting fatigue and a faulty serve down the stretch, Berrettini eventually triumphed 3-6 6-3 6-2 3-6 7-6 (7-5).
“Right now I don’t remember any points. Just the match point,” No.24 seed Berrettini said on court.
“While I was playing I thought, this is one of the best matches I ever saw. I was playing, but I was watching also.”
Monfils was hoping to join his girlfriend Elina Svitolina in the semi-finals after her quarter-final win over Briton Johanna Konta.