It is the Star Power of World Champion Rafael Nadal that puts him on top of everyone's list, whether it's media, fans or fellow players, who run out of ways to fathom the Spaniard's tenacity and brilliance on court. However, in this quarterfinal preview, we would like to start with the other, overshadowed Spaniard, Fernando Verdasco.

Thanks to Rafael Nadal once again, it was the semifinals of the 2009 Australian Open that brought Fernando Verdasco into the tennis map when he tested Nadal to limits in that magnificient encounter. Ever since, Verdasco has gradually, rather consistently improved his game and brought it to the level that it is on currently. Verdasco claimed a title on hard court last year in New Haven and found more success on home soil with a title in Barcelona this season. He also made it to his first Masters series final in Monte Carlo, where he finished runner up to 'Rafa'. Verdasco's back-to-back wins over some of tour's hottest players like Novak Djokovic and David Ferrer made him a deserving quarterfinalist here in New York as well.

Verdasco definitely has improved a lot in terms of mental toughness and court coverage. His forehand, the strongest aspect of his game is better than ever the best of which we saw in his fourth round match against David Ferrer at the Open. All these factors contribute to Verdasco's strong contendership in not just this match but also this year's championship.

His opponent, Rafael Nadal has never lost a match in ten previous meetings with Verdasco. In their most recent meeting in Monte Carlo final, Nadal crushed Verdasco in straight sets rather handily to once again prove a point in today's match up. Things however, are different on hard courts. Verdasco's best against Nadal was seen on hard courts about 18 months ago in Melbourne, which supports the fact that Nadal isn't really hat big a force to be reckoned with on hard courts. And with Flushing Meadows' fast paced surface, things are only going to get tougher for the top seed.

All points taken into consideration, Nadal is still a much stronger opponent tactfully. His court coverage is phenomenal with the only challenge in his heavily top spun groundstrokes that the opponents like Verdasco can easily kill if an opportunity is given. Nadal, however, does not believe in granting too many opportunities and that is perhaps the reason why he will win this match to move to the semifinals.

TennisEarth.com's Pick - Nadal in four sets.

Clcik here to enjoy the point-by-point commentary of this match.