Juan Martin Del Potro beats David Ferrer in straight sets to set up Dominic Thiem showdown

ByEurosport

Updated 04/09/2016 at 00:03 GMT

Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina beat 11th seed David Ferrer of Spain 7-6(3) 6-2 6-3 to progress to the last 16 of the US Open.

Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina celebrates his win over David Ferrer of Spain during their US Open 2016 men's single match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on September 3, 2016.

Image credit: AFP

Wildcard Del Potro through to last 16

The Argentine, who claimed a silver medal at the Olympics, will now face eighth seed Dominic Thiem of Austria in the fourth round.

"I didn't expect to be in the second week of this tournament," the 2009 champion told reporters on Saturday.

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"I didn't expect to get a medal in Rio. I didn't expect to play at this level in this part of the year."

"I'm surprising the guys on tour, my colleagues. That's great because I'm seeing I can be dangerous in the future once again."

Thiem was serenaded by the crowd as he celebrated his 23rd birthday with a gruelling 1-6 6-4 6-4 7-5 victory over Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain in the third round at the U.S. Open on Saturday.

Dominic Thiem of Austria reacts while he plays against Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain during their 2016 US Open Men's Singles match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on September 3, 2016.

Image credit: AFP

The Austrian was pushed hard, especially in the fourth set, but held on to seal a victory which was followed by a rendition of Happy Birthday by the Grandstand Court fans.

Highlights: Thiem overcomes slow start to beat Carreno Busta

"It was a big pleasure to play on Grandstand on my birthday, against a very tough opponent," Thiem said.

"I had a bad start so I tried to focus on the second set. Then (in the fourth set), I was twice up a break and he played amazing games to break back so I am very happy to win."