Rafael Nadal has hit form at the US Open to stroll into the quarter-finals for the first time in four years.
The world No.1 had found the going tough at Flushing Meadows but the hottest day of the tournament so far saw Nadal spark into life.
It took him just an hour and 41 minutes to defeat Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-2 6-4 6-1 and set up a last-eight meeting with either ninth seed David Goffin or teenager Andrey Rublev.
The last time Nadal reached this stage in New York, he went on to win his second title, beating Novak Djokovic in the final.
"I think I played a solid match," said the 31-year-old.
"I played with not many mistakes. I know Dolgopolov is a player who can play amazing shots but sometimes he can be a little bit unpredictable
"He combines amazing points with mistakes. I tried to be very focused with my serve and to wait for the opportunities on the return. I'm in the quarter-finals in New York, that's a positive result for me and I'm looking forward to trying to be playing better."
PA
