Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after defeating Andrey Rublev of Russia during the men's singles quarterfinal match at the 2017 U.S. Open in New York, the United States, Sept. 6, 2017. Rafael Nadal won 3-0 to enter semifinal. (Xinhua/Qin Lang)
NEW YORK, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Rafael Nadal made short work of Russian teenager Andrey Rublev on Wednesday to reach a sixth US Open semifinal, waiting for Roger Federer in their possible first time clash in US Open if the Swiss master can dominate Argentine giant Juan Martin del Potro in quarterfinals.
World number one Nadal, the 2010 and 2013 champion, defeated Russian 19-year-old Rublev 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 in just 97 minutes.
Rublev, ranked 53 and playing in his first Grand Slam quarterfinal, was broken seven times and committed 43 unforced errors.
"It would be more special if Roger and I met in the final this year, so we will have to try and come back and make it happen," said 31-year-old Nadal.
"We always had a good relationship. I think he always has been a great ambassador for tennis and for our sport, with good image, and representing good values.
"One important thing is that it's a great example for kids, doing unbelievable well and doing it with the right attitude," he added.
