By Chris Soderstom
World No. 1 Rafael Nadal continued his march towards a maiden US Open title on the weekend, advancing to the fourth round after defeating Serbian youngster Viktor Troicki 6-4, 6-3, 6-0.
The Wimbledon and French Open champion was challenged in the second set, finding himself 3-1 down, before escaping with the next 11 games and the match.
“I have started playing better,” the Spaniard said. “Today I served very well. I have more confidence and I hope to continue to improve my tennis. I know I have to keep improving my tennis if I want to win.”
Nadal meets big-serving American Sam Querrey, who defeated Croat giant Ivo Karlovic, in the round of 16 and will look to extend his run to 42 wins from 43 starts.
The Spanish star won their only previous encounter back in 2005 but the 55 th ranked opponent will enter the match with a do-or-die attitude.
“I’ve gotten a lot better since then. He has too,” Querrey said. “I can go out there and rip away. I have nothing to lose.”