Updates: Rafael Nadal, a set of semi-finals of the US Open

[ad_1]

Rafael Nadal has won the quarterfinals of the US Open seven times in a row, and it looks like the Spaniard is about to qualify for the eighth time in a row at Flushing Meadows. The second seeded Diego Schwartzman (6-4, 7-5) is in the spotlight at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The Spaniard has long dominated the quarterfinals, holding a score of 32-7 at this stage of the Slams, including five of those defeats at the Australian Open. And he also has a series of 32 consecutive victories against unidentified Argentine opponents Juan Martin del Potro.

And although the score appears clearly in favor of the titlist of 83 tournaments, it was not easy. Nadal had to prevent the return of the recent Los Cabos champion in both legs to maintain his advantage.

Nadal sprinted for a 4-0 lead in the opening match. But once Schwartzman found his rhythm in the basic exchanges, he was able to engage with the world number 2, not afraid to be traded by the legendary left.

And suddenly, Schwartzman got both pauses to return to 4-4, gaining two break points to give himself a chance to serve for the set. But Nadal held on to avoid losing a third consecutive service match, and Schwartzman netted a backhand at the point of play.

Again, Nadal seemed about to move away when he hit a forehand before bouncing over the rebound to sneak 3-1 in the second set. Quickly, the 18 titles of Slam have gained a new break to go to 5-1. But Schwartzman never left, making an incredible series of catches at 15-0, eventually giving a forehand on the first shot before raising both arms to engage the crowd.

At the moment, it seemed that Schwartzman was simply taking advantage of the moment. But it showed that he gave everything he could to Nadal, finding the two breaks to return to 5-5 while the songs of "Olé" resounded through the night New York. But Nadal was once again too strong in times of crisis, scoring a forehand on the line to gain two points and converting the second of those when Schwartzman missed a forehand in goal.