U.S. Open 2017: Rafael Nadal easily reaches quarterfinals with win

For the first time since 2013, Rafael Nadal advanced to the quarterfinals at the U.S. Open.

The top-ranked Nadal breezed to a 6-2, 6-4, 6-1 victory over Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine on Monday afternoon at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The match victory was the 50th of Nadal's career at the U.S. Open.

Nadal had a much easier time with Dolgopolov than his previous two opponents, who each won a set against the Spaniard. He won 82 percent of his first-serve points and 79 percent on his second serves, had just 11 unforced errors and did not face a break point.

"I think I played a solid match," the 31-year-old Nadal said afterward. "I played with not many mistakes. I know Dolgopolov is a player who can play amazing shots but sometimes he can be a little bit unpredictable.

"He combines amazing points with mistakes. I tried to be very focused with my serve and to wait for the opportunities on the return. I'm in the quarterfinals in New York, that's a positive result for me and I'm looking forward to trying to be playing better."

The last time Nadal reached the quarterfinals in 2013 he won the second of his two U.S. Open titles.

Nadal will face 19-year-old Andrey Rublev, a 7-5, 7-6 (5), 6-3 winner over ninth-seeded David Goffin of Belgium in a two-hour, five-minute match. Nadal and Rublev have never met on the court.

Rublev became the youngest U.S. Open quarterfinalist since Andy Roddick in 2001.

In the semifinals, Nadal could face third-seeded Roger Federer if both players make it through. Federer was scheduled to play Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany in the fourth round Monday night.

Others who have already reached the men's quarterfinals are American Sam Querrey, Kevin Anderson of South Africa, Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain and Diego Schwartzman of Argentina.