A year after skipping the US Open because of a bad knee, Rafael Nadal powered his way back to the semifinals at Flushing Meadows by overwhelming Spanish compatriot Tommy Robredo 6-0, 6-2, 6-2 on Wednesday.

"It's great to be able to play your best match in the quarterfinals," Nadal said. "Playing a little better every day is a great feeling."

Nadal improved to 20-0 on hard courts in 2013, part of an overall record of 58-3 with nine titles, including his record eighth championship at the French Open in June.