Champion Nadal through in straight sets

September 5, 2011 -- Updated 0216 GMT (1016 HKT)

Rafael Nadal recovered from going 5-3 down in the opening set to defeat David Nalbandian at Flushing Meadows.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Rafael Nadal reaches the fourth round of the U.S. Open at Flushing Meadows
• Defending champion Nadal defeats David Nalbandian in straight sets
• Fourth seed Andy Murray beats Spanish left-hander Feliciano Lopez 6-1 6-4 6-2
• Fifth seed David Ferrer also goes through with victory over Florian Mayer

(CNN) -- Defending champion Rafael Nadal is through to the fourth round of the U.S. Open after recovering from an early deficit to defeat David Nalbandian in straight sets.
The second-seeded Spaniard trailed 3-5 in the opening set before fighting back to see off the 76th-ranked Argentine 7-6 (7-5) 6-1 7-5.
Nadal, who is seeking his 11th grand slam title, will now face Gilles Muller of Luxembourg -- who beat Russian Igor Kunitsyn 6-1 6-4 6-4 -- for a place in the quarter-finals.
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Nadal told reporters: "It was a tough day. David is a fantastic player and a close friend who has had a tough time with injuries.

I am happy because I played my best match of the tournament so far
--Rafael Nadal

"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."
However, there was a dramatic incident during Nadal's press conference when the world number two suddenly grimaced in pain and slipped off his chair onto the floor.
Medical staff were called as reporters were ushered out of the interview room.
However, 15 minutes later Nadal was back on his feet, insisting that the problem was just cramp.
"It was just cramping in the right leg, in the front and in the back. It was very painful, that's all," said Nadal, who resumed his news conference standing instead of sitting.
Joining Nadal in the last 16 is compatriot David Ferrer.
The fifth-seeded Ferrer secured his place with a 6-1 6-2 7-6 (7-2) win over Germany's 26th seed Florian Mayer.
And 2003 winner Andy Roddick, seeded 21st this year, delighted the New York crowd by reaching the last 16 with a 6-1 6-4 7-6 (7-5) victory over Frenchman Julien Benneteau.
Elsewhere, British fourth seed Andy Murray made relatively light work of Spanish left-hander Feliciano Lopez, winning 6-1 6-4 6-2.
The Scot had dropped just one set in five meetings previously with Lopez.

Murray will face American wildcard Donald Young, who reached the fourth round of a grand slam for the first time with a 7-5 6-4 6-3 win over Argentine 24th seed Juan Ignacio Chela.