US Open |
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Venue: Flushing Meadows, New York Dates: 28 Aug-10 Sept |
BBC coverage: Live radio and text commentary. |
Nadal, 31, will try for a third US Open and 16th Grand Slam title on Sunday, against a surprise opponent.
South African Anderson, 31, beat Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain 4-6 7-5 6-3 6-4 earlier on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
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He faces a huge challenge against Nadal, who has a 4-0 record in their head-to-head and grew stronger as the match wore on against a tired Del Potro.
"It means a lot," said Nadal. "It has been an amazing season of course after a couple with injures and troubles.
"To be back here in front of this amazing crowd, on this amazing court, and to have the chance to fight for another title is so important to me."
The last time Nadal lost a Grand Slam semi-final was against Del Potro on the same court eight years ago, and he was not about to endure a repeat performance.
After losing a tight first set, the Spaniard hit a rich vein of form, dropping just five more games, dominating on serve and ending the match with 25 forehand winners.
"I changed a couple of things after the first set," added Nadal.
"I was playing too much to his backhand and I knew that I had to change and move him more and be more unpredictable. It worked really well and I am very happy."
Del Potro, roared on by the Argentine fans who have given him loud support throughout this US Open, gathered himself to win a tight first set, before running out of steam.
The 24th seed coped superbly in the early stages as Nadal pummelled his weaker backhand wing, winning the cross-court battle and, thanks to a net cord on break point, with it the set.
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