Thiem will be eager to get revenge over Nadal after his straight-sets defeat in the French Open final in June.
The Austrian has won just three of their 10 clashes, although this will be their first encounter on hard.
Nadal has had some shaky moments, although he will have been boosted by Roger Federer’s exit at the hands of John Millman.
And Greg Rusedski believes Thiem’s best chance of success is to replicate his clay court tactics and dictate play from the baseline by taking the ball early.
“When Thiem has beaten Rafa, he’s taken the serve early,” Rusedski said on Amazon’s Prime coverage when giving his thoughts before the match.
“If he decides to stand far back, Rafa will be thinking ‘yum yum, I can get my forehand into play’.
“I expect the Austrian to use the tactic of being on top of the baseline to get the first hit in and that allows him to control point.
“If he allows Nadal to control the point, he will be second best.
“One shot Rafa hit during practice was forehand cross court and then boom up the line.
“I’m expecting height into the Thiem backhand and then quick into the forehand side.”
Nadal vs Thiem LIVE
Nadal 1-2
Big break from Thiem in the fourth set. There have already been quite a few twists and turns. Will this match go the distance?
Nadal 7-5
Cracking game from Nadal and after a scare, he’s one set from a place in the last four.
Nadal 5-5
Nadal broken back and we’re all level in the third set. Gripping match and both players been on court over two hours.
Nadal 3-4
Thiem gets a vital break and he’s back on top. Can he consolidate with the hold?
Nadal 2-1
No breaks as of yet this set.
Nadal 0-6, 6-4
Nadal has levelled the match. Game on!
Nadal 0-6, 5-4
Nadal has been broken and Thiem trails only by a game. Another twist in this set perhaps?
Nadal 0-6, 5-3
Nadal back in this and that was a weak forehand by Thiem at the end of the service game. He’s broken the Austrian and he’s serving to level the match.
Nadal 0-6, 3-3
Thiem has been rock solid so far on serve.
Nadal 0-6, 2-2
Thiem holds serve with ruthless efficiency. This is a joy to watch for Thiem fans!
Nadal 0-6, 1-0
Nadal 0 – Thiem 6*
That is remarkable! We’re still in shock here.
*Nadal 0 – Thiem 5
Thiem is on course for a bagel! This has been the perfect start. Nadal has barely been given a sniff.
*Nadal 0 – Thiem 3
This is simply extraordinary! Nadal has to make changes and fast as Thiem has been superb so far in this set.
*Nadal 0 – Thiem 1
Wow, Nadal has been broken in the first game! This has been incredible!
2:05am: Nadal and Thiem are walking onto court. The New Yorkers seem to be behind Nadal and we’re nearly set for what could be a fascinating encounter.
2:00am: Greg Rusedski thinks Dominic Thiem needs to take the ball early against Nadal to have any chance of success.
He said: “When Thiem has beaten Rafa, he’s taken the serve early.
“If he decides to stand far back, Rafa will be thinking ‘yum yum, I can get my forehand into play’.
“I expect the Austrian to use the tactic of being on top of the baseline to get the first hit in and that allows him to control point.”
1:50am: Nadal has won seven of his 10 clashes against Thiem, including the French Open final back in June.
1:45am: Serena Williams is through to the semi-finals and she is looking good for her seventh US Open title. The American has opened the night session with a dominant win. We now turn our attentions to the main event – Rafael Nadal vs Dominic Thiem.