World number one Rafael Nadal advanced to his first US Open semifinal with a 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 victory over American Mardy Fish early on Thursday morning at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The reigning Wimbledon, French Open and Olympic champion from Spain will face British sixth seed Andy Murray in Saturday's semi-finals of the year's last Grand Slam tennis tournament. Nadal has a 5-0 record against Murray.

Nadal could match Rod Laver, Pete Sampras and Roger Federer as the only men to win three Slam titles in a row in the 40-year Open era.

Saturday's other semifinal pairing will be decided later on Thursday when four-time defending champion Federer meets Luxembourg qualifier Gilles Muller and Serbian third seed Novak Djokovic faces US eighth seed Andy Roddick.