Rafael Nadal defeats Nikoloz Basilashvili to reach quarters, Juan Martin del Potro through

Top seed Rafael Nadal set up an intriguing US Open quarter-final showdown with Dominic Thiem after snuffing out a comeback attempt by Georgia's Nikoloz Basilashvili with a 6-3 6-3 6-7(6) 6-4 win on Sunday.

The world number one looked like he would cruise to an easy win after pocketing the first two sets but the Georgian stepped up his game to take the third.

The US Open champion would not be denied, however, and fired his seventh ace on match point to end the three hour, 20-minute tussle.

"Two matches in the row that were very tough ones," said Nadal, who had to battle back against Russian Karen Khachanov two days ago.

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Rafa Nadal, US Open 2018

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Nadal praised the 26-year-old Basilashvili, who will break into the top 30 for the first time when the new rankings are released after the tournament.

"He played fantastic. A lot of credit to him. He was playing great, hitting the ball very, very strong," the Spaniard said.

"I'm very happy to be through," added Nadal after setting up a rematch of June's French Open final, when he crushed Thiem in straight sets to win his 17th major.

Third seed Juan Martin del Potro crushed Croatia's Borna Coric 6-4 6-3 6-1 to set up a clash with American John Isner, who earlier beat Milos Raonic 3-6 6-3 6-4 3-6 6-2.

The Argentine sent down nine aces and 33 winners to seal a one-sided victory over the 20th seed in just over two hours, with Coric making 30 unforced errors to undermine his own cause.

The Croatian needed a medical timeout in the second set and was then blown away by Del Potro's booming forehand in the third, surrendering the set in just 30 minutes.

Both players suffered in the humid conditions under the floodlights at Arthur Ashe Stadium, but Del Potro fed off the energy of the crowd, including a group of his friends who have travelled from his hometown Tandil to cheer him on.

"They are crazy," he added with a smile. "They have to go back to Argentina and work again after this tournament. I would like to keep them singing."

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