Juan Martin del Potro not physically 100 per cent to face Rafael Nadal at US Open
Juan Martin del Potro gatecrashes US Open by defeating Roger Federer in gripping quarter-final
Thursday 7 September 2017 13:27, UK
Juan Martin del Potro will play his first Grand Slam semi-final since 2013 but admits he is "not in best condition" to face Rafael Nadal at the US Open on Friday.
His 2009 title at Flushing Meadows remain his only Grand Slam title after which the 28-year-old has been plagued by injuries.
But four operations and two comebacks later, Del Potro produced an epic comeback from two sets down against Dominic Thiem, saving two match points and fighting off the effects of a heavy cold, and then sealed a famous four-set victory against 19-time Grand Slam champion Federer on Wednesday night.
Against Rafa, it will be a much harder match. I am not in good condition
Del Potro, who will play his first Grand Slam semi-final since Wimbledon four years ago, said: "I think I played my best match of the tournament.
"I did everything well, I served so good, I hit my forehand as hard as I can. I think I played a great match and I deserved to win in the end.
"I cannot believe to play another semi after all my injuries, all my surgeries. And especially to play here in New York. It's my favourite tournament, my favourite city to play tennis."
Nadal will take an 8-5 record over Del Potro into the semi-final, but the Argentine says he will "try to exploit the atmosphere" in New York on Friday night.
"Against Rafa, it will be a much harder match. I am not in good condition," said Del Potro. "But it's a semi-final so anything can happen. I have to be ready to face Rafa in my favourite tournament.
"I will try to exploit the atmosphere and if I play my best I can be a danger to him."
The world No 1, who is chasing his second major of the year to add to his French Open, is wary of the threat Del Potro will bring to the court.
"Juan Martin is a top player. When he's playing well, it's difficult to stop him. Probably the forehand is maybe the fastest on the tour," said Nadal.
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