AP Rafael Nadal powered past Fernando Verdasco with a 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 win in the first all-Spanish quarterfinal in US Open history.
Rafael Nadal was one victory away from a dream final at the US Open with Roger Federer, after the top-seed won the first all-Spanish quarterfinal in the event’s history on Thursday in windy conditions.
Nadal defeated compatriot Fernando Verdasco 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 and is to face a semifinal against Mikhail Youzhny on Saturday.
Speaking of the unprecedented blustery conditions on Thursday, Nadal said “It was very difficult to play, one of the more difficult days. “The serve was important, but it was difficult to control the ball on the toss. This was an important victory for me.
Youzhny won a see—saw battle as his tiring opponent Wawrinka finally paid the price for more than 12 cumulative hours on court.
Organisers are hoping that both Nadal and five-time champion Federer go through into the Sunday title match. Nadal is looking to become just the seventh man in history to complete the career sweep, joining Federer on that honour.
The Spaniard will be playing a Flushing Meadows semifinal for this third year in a row, after losing to Andy Murray in 2008 and eventual champion Juan del Potro a year ago.
Nadal has yet to drop a set at this year’s event but was broken for the first time as Verdasco got to him in the third game of the first set.
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