On court celebrations are usually limited to a shake of the hand, but Rafael Nadal was instead treated to a peck on the cheek after defeating Frenchman Gael Monfils as a male fan stormed the court to congratulate the Spaniard.
Nadal, 23, laughed off the intrusion after a 6-7, 6-3, 6-1, 6-3 win to move into the quarter-finals.
"For me it wasn't the problem. The guy was really nice," Nadal joked after the excitable man breached courtside security to embrace his hero.
"He was a great fan. He said, I love you, and he kissed me."
A spot in the quarter-finals is a boost to the 2008 US Open semi- finalist who was sidelined for two months this season with a knee injury.
"For sure it's an important match for the confidence," said Nadal, who looks to be returning to the form he displayed by winning the Australian Open earlier this year.
"I'm in the quarter-finals, so that's very good news and very good result for me," he continued, "the knees are perfect. That's very important for me. It gives me lot of confidence."
Nadal's next opponent will be 11th seed Fernando Gonzalez of Chile, who defeated France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Tuesday to win a place in his second US Open quarter-final.
Gonzalez, 29, was elated to reach the last eight in New York for the second time since 2002, declaring: "Sometimes you feel like a super hero".
Monfils proved a gallant opponent, attacking each ball and forcing Nadal to battle hard.
While the Frenchman prevailed over his Spanish rival in the first set tie-breaker, Nadal was quick to stamp his authority in the second set, moving 5-3 ahead with little effort.
Nadal continued to dominate in the third and blazed back from Monfils vain attempts to regain control of the match in the fourth, showing no signs of the abdominal injury that had needed on-court treatment during his third-round match on Sunday.
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ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
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Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
The specs: 2018 Audi RS5
Price, base: Dh359,200
Engine: 2.9L twin-turbo V6
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 450hp at 5,700rpm
Torque: 600Nm at 1,900rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 8.7L / 100km
The Ashes
Results
First Test, Brisbane: Australia won by 10 wickets
Second Test, Adelaide: Australia won by 120 runs
Third Test, Perth: Australia won by an innings and 41 runs
Fourth Test: Melbourne: Drawn
Fifth Test: Australia won by an innings and 123 runs
