Nadal downs Cilic to reach US Open quarters

Rafael Nadal is through to the final eight in Flushing Meadows.

The Spaniard booked a spot in the US Open quarterfinals Monday night, courtesy of a 6-3, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 victory over Marin Cilic.

Nadal will now face No. 20 seed Diego Schwartzman after the Argentine upset world No. 6 Alexander Zverev in four sets earlier Monday.

Cilic gave Nadal his toughest test yet. After the three-time US Open champion took the opening set, the Croat responded to even the match at a set apiece. Nadal hadn't dropped a set in the tournament leading into the fourth-round encounter.

However, Cilic was unable to ride the momentum and was soundly put away by the 18-time Grand Slam champion in the following two sets.

Nadal finished with 37 winners and 26 unforced errors while Cilic had 33 and 40, respectively.

With the victory, Nadal is through to his ninth straight major quarterfinal and 40th overall.