Gilles Muller looked ready to make an imprint on the US Open, having entered Thursday with a 3-0 lead in the first set against number 2 ranked Rafael Nadal, but couldn't keep up the pace and succumbed to the better player in straight sets. Nadal, after complaining about the USTA's decision to put players out the day before, was noticeably a different player throughout the match. He rallied to break serve and then went on to dominate the tiebreak, winning 7-1. His 7-6, 6-1, 6-2 victory over Muller is likely to help his spirits, as to get to the final, he would need to win three matches in three days as a result of the past two days rain in New York. Muller's big serve worked well in the first set, but largely disappeared in the second and third sets, with Nadal making quick work and on to the quarterfinals, where he is to face either Andy Roddick or David Ferrer. Roddick won the first set 6-3 and was up a break in the second set as Nadal walked off court victorious. ** Check out Twitter for live updates on matches. BM