Marcos continues to turn back the clock this week at the US Open, ousting American qualifier Ryan Harrison 6-3, 7-6(4), 1-6, 6-1 in Friday's third round. He reaches his first Grand Slam Round of 16 since the 2009 Australian Open.
Marcos fired 37 winners, including 10 aces, to prevail after two hours and 52 minutes. He was effective on return as well, converting six break chances. It is his best result in 11 appearances at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
"I'm happy I'm in the second week," Marcos said. "It's been a long time and I'm happy it came here. I never passed into the second week at the US Open. I don't miss a lot of balls and give a lot of free points. When I need to attack, I do. I'm very happy with the way I'm moving and returning.
"My goal is to finish my career in the Top 20 (of the Emirates ATP Rankings). It's a big challenge and I want to achieve that. I'm putting the right people around me to do it."
Marcos will next face 10th seed and two-time US Open quarter-finalist Gael Monfils on Sunday. Monfils owns a 2-1 head-to-head edge, with their most recent meeting coming a few weeks ago in Cincinnati.
"The good thing is I played him in Cincinnati," Marcos said about Monfils. "I know what to expect and it's going to be a tough battle, but I'll try my best."
Marcos also teamed with Gilles Muller to win their doubles opener, defeating Dustin Brown and Benoit Paire 6-3, 6-7(2), 7-6(3). They will next face the all-Spanish duo of Feliciano Lopez and Marc Lopez.
