2021 winner Daniil Mevedev overpowered Portugal’s top player as he schooled Nuno Borges 6-0, 6-1, 6-3 on Labour Day Monday to reach a fifth quarter-final at the US Open over the last six years.
The only former champion remaining in the field after early exits from Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz duplicated a win he took over Borges at the Australian Open in January.
Borges failed to become the first from his country to reach the last eight at a major in the Open era.
The fifth-seeded Medvedev advanced in less than two hours as he completely dominated his opponent.
Medvedev is known as a hard worker in the sport and said he gets no greater thrill than competing in front of the rowdy New York public.
“I try to work hard. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t. There are days when it’s tougher to go out on court and practice.
“I have the mentality that if the other guy practices more than me, I have less chances to win – and I want to win all the time.
“I try to practice as much as I can. I have a lot of success here at the US Open.”
Medvedev hit 21 winners and 20 unforced errors while his opponent double-faulted 10 times.
Jack Draper broke fresh ground as he entered his first Grand Slam quarter-final with a comprehensive 6-3, 6-1, 6-1 hammering of Czech Tomas Machac.
The British winner who achieved the fourth round here a year ago did not allow his opponent into their match, ending with 11 aces among 36 winners in an hour and three-quarters.
Draper is the first British man to get this far in New York since now-retired Andy Murray in 2016.
No Czech has reached the Open last eight since Tomas Berdych a decade ago
“It was a good match to come through. I’m incredibly proud to be in the quarter-finals,” Draper said.
“I lost in the round of 16 last year, so it’s amazing to come through. I thought it was a good match from my side.
“I did what I needed to do. I competed well. My level was pretty solid throughout. I’m happy with the way I played today.”
