Thanasi Kokkinakis will contend for his second tour-level quarterfinal of the season after emerging victorious from an all-Australian clash against 14th seed Aleksandar Vukic at Washington on Wednesday.
Kokkinakis' 6-4 7-6(4) win was his second straight over a compatriot after he fought back against a cramping Max Purcell in the opening round.
Seventh seed Jordan Thompson joined Kokkinakis in the third round following a straight-sets win over Reilly Opelka 6-4 6-3.
It marked the first time since his run to the third round at Roland Garros that 91st-ranked Kokkinakis won two matches in succession.
Fourth seed Sebastian Korda stands between the South Australian and a first tour-level quarterfinal since Los Cabos in February.
A first win in three attempts against the American would pit him into his first ATP 500 quarterfinal.
> READ: Rankings mover Thompson on cusp of career high
Thompson needed just 81 minutes to see off American wildcard Opelka, who was contesting just his second tour-level event in almost two years following hip and wrist surgery.
The world No.33, who lost the Atlanta final to Yoshihito Nishioka, will next meet big-serving French ninth seed Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard for a place in his seventh tour-level quarterfinal this season.
Follow Tennis Australia on Facebook, Instagram and X for updates of Aussies in action.
Find your way to play: Visit play.tennis.com.au to get out on court and have some fun!