• US Open, Day Seven

What They Said

Rafael Nadal was delighted to see off his "close friend" David Nalbandian © Getty Images

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• News: Murray happy to have an early night
  
• Profile: Rafael Nadal | David Nalbandian

Men's round-up: Nadal lays down marker
Women's round-up: Ill Pennetta marches on
Plays of the Day: Nal that's a point
US Open: Day Seven gallery

Andy Murray once again dispatched Feliciano Lopez from a grand slam - as he did in their Wimbledon quarter-final - claiming a comfortable straight sets win on Sunday evening. Britain's No. 1 said: "[Today] was better. The conditions were tough to start. But after having a long match the other day it was good to be done quickly in a night match. I enjoy playing guys who come to net against me.He's not an easy guy to play against...but he does make a lot of errors at times."

Murray will now take on American wildcard Donald Young, who upset Juan Ignacio Chela earlier in the day. Murray said of the youngester: "[Young] can hit winners from all parts of the court," Murray said. "He comes forward and volleys well. He's very flashy and can get on a roll."

Rafael Nadal showcased his full repertoire of skills to beat David Nalbandian in straight sets in a gruelling three-hour slugfest. The world No. 2 was a different class at times but admitted afterwards that securing the first set was cruical. He said: "It was a tough day. David is a fantastic player and a close friend who has had a tough time with injuries. The first set was key when I came back when he was serving for the set. I am happy because I played my best match of the tournament so far."

During his post-match interview, Nadal set alarm bells ringing when he became extremely distressed with pain. It wasn't clear at first what was wrong but the journalists were told to vacate the room and the lights were turned off as Nadal received treatment. It turned out to be nothing more than bad cramp in the leg, leaving Nadal red with embarrassment. The 25-year-old said: "It was just cramping in the right leg, in the front and in the back. It was very painful, that's all. I will train normally on Monday. It was just a normal cramp that could have happened anywhere, but it happened in the press room. Anywhere else, nobody would have noticed."

David Nalbandian admitted he had opportunities early on against Nadal but failed to strike when he had the chance. He said: "I think I played a good first set. I had my chances. I couldn't take it. Rafa played good. He didn't make a lot of mistakes, which is normal in his game."

Vera Zvonareva was evidently pleased with her performance on Sunday, and with good reason as last year's finalist brushed aside Sabine Lisicki in straight sets. She said: "I think I played pretty consistent this match. I think I did everything right today."

The second seed will now take on Australian hopeful Samantha Stosur, of whom she stated: "Actually, the last couple of times I played against Sam we played very tight matches. We've always had tough ones. I think I'll have to show my best tennis to beat her. I'm excited about the next challenge."

Sam Stosur, meanwhile, progressed to her second straight US Open quarter-final after defeating Maria Kirilenko in another marathon match for the Australian. She said: "I think I'm playing pretty well, these last two matches have been really exciting and to get through this and be as strong as I have been, I'm really really happy."

Italian Flavia Pennetta overcame illness midway through her match with Peng Shuai to dump out the 13th seed 6-4 7-6(6). Playing in particularly humid conditions, Pennetta retreated to the back of the court where she bent over to be sick before regaining her poise. She said: "I was feeling really bad. I think it was because it's really humid. And also, when you are there you have a lot of emotion. My body just needed to breathe, and I started to have the sensation of throwing up. With nothing inside, nothing came out."

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