NEW YORK(AP) Rafael Nadal has eliminated Gael Monfils in the U.S. Open to reach the quarterfinals and assure himself of returning to No. 2 in the rankings.
The No. 3-seeded Nadal beat No. 13 Monfils 6-7 (3), 6-3, 6-1, 6-3 Tuesday night, continuing his bid to complete a career Grand Slam.
Nadal will overtake Andy Murray in next week's ATP rankings. Nadal was No. 1 or 2 from July 2005 until three weeks ago, when he dropped to No. 3.
Nadal moved well against Monfils, covering the court during their many extended exchanges. The Spaniard showed no real signs of problems from either the sore knees that prompted him to pull out of Wimbledon or the stomach muscle issue that arose during his last match.
Nadal meets No. 11 Fernando Gonzalez next.