Argentina’s Juan Martin Del Potro has denied the Us Open fans the first ever Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal showdown at Flushing Meadows following his sensational quarter final victory Federer.
The world number 24, who beat the Swiss to claim his first Grand Slam title at the 2009 US Open, defeated Federer 7-5 3-6 7-6 (10-8) 6-4 to set up a semi final clash with top seed Rafael Nadal.
Speaking after his stunning victory, Del Potro said: “I think it’s my home court too – you make me feel happy every time when I play here and I love your support,”
“It should hurt, it does. But with the season I’ve had, I have perspective on these losses. I’ll be fine.”https://t.co/heOxQQ1y1y #USOpen pic.twitter.com/SZFfIuxPNM
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 7, 2017
“I know against Rafa the crowd will be tough for me but I hope you are cheering for me again. He is number one in the world, but with this amazing support anything can happen.”
Elsewhere, world number one, Nadal cruised past Russian youngster Andrey Rublev in three straight sets 6-1 6-2 6-2.
Boom!@RafaelNadal books his spot in the 2017 US Open SFs, d. Rublev 6-1, 6-2, 6-2.https://t.co/5rQgybxVrq#usopen pic.twitter.com/DCq1yCFVO0
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 6, 2017
The victory means Nadal will remain number one when the next ranking is released next week following Federer’s defeat to Del Potro.
Nadal will now play Del Potro in the semis, a rematch of the 2009 US Open semi final which Del Potro won en route claiming the title eight years ago.
