Del Potro humbles Nadal to reach US Open final (1st Lead)

Sep 13, 2009, 19:10 GMT

New York - Argentine Juan Del Potro denied Rafael Nadal a place in a career-first US Open final as he reached his first Grand Slam title match with a 6-2, 6-2, 6-2 victory over the Spaniard Sunday.

Sixth-ranked Del Potro took advantage of Nadal's lingering abdominal muscle strain which has bothered him for a month, putting his own huge game into gear for the rapid-fire victory in two hours, 22 minutes.

He will play Monday as the event is delayed for the second straight year by weather, facing the winner from five-time champion Roger Federer and 2007 finalist Novak Djokovic.

'In the middle of the season I had my knee problems and everything was more difficult after that,' said Nadal, who was unable to play Wimbledon and defend his title as he rested his knees for two months until August.

'But I'm still happy I got to the semi-finals. It was disappointing that I have my right abdominal muscle problem now. To compete with players like Juan Martin in this condition is difficult. But I can only congratulate him.'

Del Potro handed Nadal his first straight-sets loss in a five-set match since the 2008 Australian Open semi-finals when Jo-Wilfried Tsonga beat him by a similar margin. He lost in straights in New York six years ago in the second round to Andy Roddick.

Del Potro ended a four-match loss streak to Nadal at Miami last spring and is the only player to have beaten the Spaniard more than once this year.

'I can't believe this,' said the stunned winner. 'It's difficult to speak at the moment. This is my favourite tournament, I cannot believe this moment.

'I'm so excited, I'm close to achieving my dream, to win this tournament.'

The victory was the third in a row for the Argentinian in the series with former number one Nadal after Masters 1000 wins in Miami and Montreal.

Six-time Grand Slam Nadal had just under 24 hours to rest for the semi after his quarter-final was not concluded until Friday afternoon during a dry spell during two days of rain.

Del Potro won his place last Thursday, with two full rest days.

He becomes the sixth from his nation to play a Grand Slam final, following on from Guillermo Vilas, Guillermo Coria, Gaston Gaudio, Mariano Puerta and David Nalbandian.

Vilas won the Open title in 1977 when the event was played on clay.

Del Potro shot out of the blocks on the first sunny day since mid-week, sweeping up the opening two sets in just over 90 minutes of inspired play.

Nadal's game never bloomed under the beat-down from the South American, with the Spaniard who will move back to second in the world next week failing to impress.

Del Potro took an early lead on the third set on a break and closed out victory on two straight passing shots past Nadal.

'This is the best match I've ever played,' said Del Potro, 48-11 on the season.

'I was so focused every moment. Rafa is strong and he can run for fie or six hours if he has to but I just did my best and I'm in the final.'

Nadal lost serve five times and failed on five break point chances while Del Potro struck six aces and 28 winners.