Pablo Carreno Busta ends battling Denis Shapovalov's bid in last 16

The Canadian 18-year-old Shapovalov produced some superb tennis on Arthur Ashe, but was narrowly edged out with the more experienced man from Gijon winning the three tie-breaks 7-2, 7-4 and 7-3 to complete a fourth straight win over a qualifier at this year's tournament.

Carreno Busta, 26, was forced to save three set points in the first set before taking control of the match despite the New York fans being firmly behind the impressive Shapovalov.

Carreno Busta is the highest seed left in the bottom half of the draw and will face 16th seed Lucas Pouille or Diego Schwartzman of Argentina for a semi-final place.

"In the tiebreaks I played perfect. I played very aggressive," Carreno Busta told reporters.

"It was very tough, because three hours, three sets, three tiebreaks. But, of course, it was an amazing victory for me."

Shapovalov hit 54 winners, more than double his opponent's tally, but converted only three of 13 break points, and his lack of experience showed in the tie-breaks.

Carreno Busta may not be box office but he is an extremely solid player, a gritty competitor and a very good athlete.

It is a second Grand Slam quarter-final of the year for Carreno Busta after his run to the last eight of the French Open in June.

Playing under a closed roof on a rainy day at Flushing Meadows, Carreno Busta showed more poise than the youngster during the match's pivotal three tie breakers.

Shapovalov failed to capitalize on his opportunities during the closely fought match, converting just three of 13 break points while double faulting four times, including a momentum-killing one to start the final tie breaker.

Shapovalov praised Carreno Busta's ability to stay focused during the 26-year-old's first-ever singles match at the always buzzing Arthur Ashe Stadium.

"He stayed very tough mentally in the big points," Shapovalov said.

"He just played three tiebreaks that were better than mine."

Carreno Busta was also the better player during the match's long rallies, winning 17 of the 25 rallies of nine shots or more, often with help from one of Shapovalov's 31 unforced errors.

12-Pablo Carreno (Spain) beat Denis Shapovalov (Canada) 7-6(2) 7-6(4) 7-6(3)