Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro stunned Roger Federer in four sets to reach the US Open semi-finals, dashing hopes of a Rafael Nadal versus Federer semis.
The 24th seed won 7-5 3-6 7-6 (10-8) 6-4 to reach the last four, thrilling his large contingent of supporters in New York.
He goes on to face top seed Rafael Nadal, who earlier beat Russian teenager Andrey Rublev.
Del Potro’s victory means Federer and Nadal will end another year having never played each other at the US Open.
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Top seed Nadal is now also guaranteed to keep hold of the number one ranking ahead of Federer.
"This is like my home court. You make me feel so happy every time I play here and I love your support."@delpotrojuan on the #USOpen crowd. pic.twitter.com/TFyD2rmZhP
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 7, 2017
It is the sixth time the pair have been one match from meeting at Flushing Meadows, and their potential semi-final clash had dominated headlines throughout the tournament.
However, an out-of-sorts Federer was no match for Del Potro, who returned 48 hours after his epic five-set win over Dominic Thiem to produce another thrilling victory.
“I honestly was only thinking about tonight,” said Federer, 36.
Great match.
Total respect.@delpotrojuan @rogerfederer#USOpen pic.twitter.com/ISnKwyi3Jc
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 7, 2017
“My head didn’t even wander during the match. I knew it was going to be a tough one.”
Del Potro, 28, beat Federer to win his only Grand Slam title in New York in 2009, and eight years later he delivered another blow to the 36-year-old on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“I think I played my best match of the tournament,” said the Argentine.
“I played everything well. My serve was good, I hit my forehands as hard as I possibly could.
“This is my home court too. The fans make me feel happy every time I play here. I hope against Rafa the crowd will be cheering for me again.”
