Rafael Nadal Rolls into Ninth US Open Quarterfinal

(September 2, 2019) FLUSHING MEADOWS, NY – With Tiger Woods cheering for him in the stands, Rafael Nadal is into his 9th US Open quarterfinal by virtue of a 6-3, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 win over 2014 champion Marin Cilic.

The second to last point featured a spectacular around the net post shot by Nadal.

“Difficult to describe that feelings, honestly,” Nadal said when asked about the shot. “So special to see this amazing crowd supporting. As I said before the tournament start, no, I always had a great connection with the crowd here in New York, no? They are very energetic, very passionate. I consider myself like this, especially on court, no? I feel very identify with them.

“Yeah, matches like this, you come back to the hotel with plenty of energy because I really enjoyed a lot playing in front of the full crowd. Arthur Ashe Stadium here in New York, night session. It’s difficult to be better.”

Around the post winner!! #Rafa #usopen https://t.co/oysn9wqBlv

— Tennis Panorama News (@TennisNewsTPN) September 3, 2019

Nadal, who is looking for his fourth title in Flushing Meadows will take on 20th seed Diego Schwartzman for a place in the final four.

The Spaniard talked about the respect he has for him and his game. “Everything. Every single thing of his game. He is one of the most talented players on our tour. He has everything, amazing control, amazing speed. He has the ability to read very well your shots and to understand very well the game. Is not a surprise he is there.

“Before the match, I know people can think that Zverev was favored before that match. Honestly for me, today, Schwartzman was favored. Schwartzman, I saw him play a couple of matches during this tournament, he was playing great. Sascha played two matches, two or three matches close. Physical issues always I think. The other arrived fresh and playing amazing.

“Even if he lost the first set when he was 2-0 and big chance for 3-0, double break, in the beginning, finally he lost the first set. After that he was playing amazing. Sascha fighted hard as always. He going to be a Grand Slam champion soon I think.

“But today Diego is playing unbelievable. I need to play my best in the next round to have the chance to be in that semifinals. But the match of today I think helps.”

No. 2 Nadal is also looking for a 19th major. With No. 3 seed Roger Federer on the other side of the draw, there is a possibility for a Nadal-Federer final. They have never played each other at the US Open.