It was a comprehensive win in the end for the top-seed Rafael Nadal in his quarter-final match, as he easily subdued his compatriot Fernando Verdasco in three straight sets with a 7-5 6-3 6-4 scoreline. By any means, it was a clinical performance from the world no. 1, as he never looked under pressure. First set was a bit of struggle, but afterwards, it was Nadal all over the place. Verdasco just could not produce any sort of resistance in the way of the indefatigable Rafa, who played his trademark strokes, covered the court well and showed immaculate presence of mind to sail through – mostly unchecked!

Both the players held on to their serves in the first set, but then Nadal won it with in an emphatic manner. Nadal broke at the nick of the time in the twelfth game by surging to a love forty lead and sealed the first set with a superb volley winner. After committing a few uncharacteristic errors on his forehand, Nadal changed his mode of attack and resorted to backhand, when it was required to play controlled shot. Strategy worked and Nadal won the first set - in a relatively easier manner.

Re-enjoy exciting moments of this match!

Chasing his first US Open title, Nadal continued to roll on with tremendous momentum in the second set too. Nadal reeled off one game after another without facing any sort of stiff challenge from his compatriot and also got the break in the first game of the second set without making a huge effort - as much has been contributed by Verdasco's erratic play and dwindling confidence. Verdasco tried to break back, but Nadal closed all the doors by holding on to his service games - in a swift manner.
The trend continued in the third set too, as Nadal made quick in-roads by getting the break in the opening game. Top-seed maintained that lead till the end and won the match in three straight sets with a 7-5 6-3 6-4 scoreline.

In the semi-final, Nadal will face 12th-seeded Russian Mikhail Youzhny, who advanced after winning a marathon five-set match over Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland with a 3-6, 7-6(7), 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 scoreline.