It's the first all-American quarterfinal line-up at an ATP event since Orlando in 1991, which was more than five years before any of the Houston quarterfinalists were born.

The reveal only came to light ahead of last year’s US Open, but it was weighing on the Italian's mind for much longer.

Rising talents Kudermetova and Tien, along with Aussie Birrell and veterans Martic and Garin, also seek main-draw tickets.