Nadal storms into US Open final

Rafael Nadal has stormed into the US Open final with a 4-6 6-0 6-3 6-2 win over Juan Martin del Potro. Nadal will face Kevin Anderson in Sunday’s final, the world No.1 chasing his third US Open title.

If Nadal was favourite going into the match, del Potro was the one who came out swinging. Breaking early, the big Argentinian had the advantage he needed to carry him through the opening set.

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But Nadal is nothing if not a fighter, and hit back immediately in the second. Perhaps it was the toil of a string of physically and psychologically exhausting matches, but del Potro looked drained. As the Argentine struggled on serve Nadal took advantage, winning nine games in a row as he levelled the match and went on to lead 3-0 in the third. Del Potro probed for a way back in, but the damage was done as Nadal carried the momentum into the fourth set.

Delpo tried to stay with the world No.1, but Nadal was in the ascendancy. Back to back breaks gave the Spaniard a 5-1 lead in the fourth set, and this time there would be no fightback from the 24th seed. With the crowd willing him on Delpo mustered one more game, before Rafa served out the match with another comfortable game.

“It’s been an amazing season after a couple of years of injuries and tough moments. This year has been an emotional year and I’m very, very happy,” Nadal beamed after the match. “To be in the final and have the chance to fight for another title is so important for me.

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“I was not playing bad in the first set but I was playing too much to his backhand. At the beginning of the second I tried to move him more and make it more unpredictable. It worked very well.”

Nadal will play Kevin Anderson in Sunday’s final, the South African battling past Pablo Carreno Busta in Saturday’s first semifinal.

“He’s a huge player with an unbelievable serve. He’s had some injuries, and is a big example for the Tour that he is back and playing his best tennis,” Nadal said of his opponent in Sunday’s final. “I’m very happy for him – I’ve known him since we were 12. I’m going to need to play at my best, and I will look forward to playing with full energy and motivation.”

Nadal has now won 15-straight Grand Slam semifinals. He is 2-1 in US Open finals, winning the title in 2010 and 2013.