RAFA NADAL reached the US Open final after a dominant four-set victory over Roger Federer’s conqueror Juan Martin del Potro.
The Spaniard recovered from losing the first set — and would drop just five games for the remainder of the match to take the contest 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2.
Victory on the Arthur Ashe Court means the two-time US Open-winner has now reached the final of three of the four Grand Slams in 2017 as his remarkable recovery continues.
Speaking after the match, a beaming Nadal said: “After a couple of years with injuries, some troubles, a very emotional time, it is amazing to be back, very important for me.
“I played a couple of matches so-so, but the last three matches have been very positive, and this one was the best one for me.
“I have the passion to play with full energy, and to come back here many years.”
Nadal and Federer have incredibly never met at the US Open but, with Andy Murray and Novak Dojokovic both missing from this year’s tournament, it was anticipated they would finally face one another in New York.
However, the 19-time Grand Slam-winner was impressively beaten by 2009 champion Del Potro, who had been one of the stars so far.
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The Argentine, who beat Nadal at this stage en route to victory eight years ago and then Federer in the final, is one of only two men — along with Djokovic — to beat the legendary duo in the same slam.
And he was expected prove a stern test for his illustrious opponent.
It was Nadal who blinked first — being broken in the fifth game.
The Spaniard had not a slam semi-final since that defeat to Del Potro, having won all 15 time since.
And the 31-year-old recovered majestically to take the next set to love, and lost just five games in the final two sets.
He will now face South African Kevin Anderson in Sunday’s final.
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