Former world No.1 Rafael Nadal has been knocked out of the 2016 US Open in a five-set thriller by Frenchman Lucas Pouille.

Pouille, the 24th seed, beat the two-time US Open champion 6-1, 2-6,6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (8-6).

Pouille's attacking, flashy strokes proved too strong for Nadal, who had only dropped 20 games in his first three rounds.

Lucas Pouille of France reacts against Rafael Nadal of Spain during his fourth round Men's Singles match on Day Seven of the 2016 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2016 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images for USTA)
Lucas Pouille of France reacts against Rafael Nadal of Spain during his fourth round Men's Singles match on Day Seven of the 2016 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2016 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images for USTA)

Nadal, the No.4 seed, led 4-2 in the fifth and deciding set, before Pouille managed to break back, leveling the match again, before forcing it to a tiebreak.

It is the first time Nadal has failed to reach the quarterfinal of a grand slam in a calendar year in 12 years.

Pouille will now face 10th seed and countryman, Gael Monfils in the quarterfinals.

Meanwhile, world No.1 Novak Djokovic and ninth seed Jo-Wilfred Tsonga have set up a mouth watering quarterfinal clash, after both players eased past their opponents in the fourth round.