Primetime matchup: Nadal vs. Verdasco in quarterfinals

Rafael Nadal was reduced to tears the last time he faced Fernando Verdasco on a hard court. Waiting to receive serve deep in the fifth set at the 2009 Australian Open, the tension high, he began to cry.

Minutes later, Nadal turned joyous, overcoming Verdasco in one of the tournament's best matches.

Fans in New York hope for a repeat performance when the compatriots, friends and Davis Cup teammates face off tonight at Arthur Ashe Stadium for a spot in the semifinals.

"He has all the shots, and he's playing very well, much better than he did in the last months," Nadal said after his routine victory against Verdasco's frequent doubles partner, Feliciano Lopez, in the fourth round. "It's going to be a very interesting match."

Verdasco's semifinal appearance in Melbourne in 2009 marked his breakthrough following years of underachieving. Before confronting Nadal, the 26-year-old upset Andy Murray and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who had reached the final a year earlier.

Verdasco has never advanced past the quarterfinals here, and Nadal, a semifinalst the past two years, have played 10 times in theri career, all won by Nadal, including four on hard courts. The last time they met on a hard court was their five-hour match in Melbourne.

"Two things," former U.S. Open finalist Greg Rusedski began. "Do I think Verdasco can give Rafa a test? Yes. Do I think he can win? No. Nadal's playing sensational tennis. His serve has gotten an extra five or six miles per hour. Rafa's here to win. Getting to the final isn't good enough."

With information from USOpen.org