Juan Martin del Potro is back in a Grand Slam final after an absence of nine years but only in the most unfortunate circumstances as Rafael Nadal was forced out of their US Open semi after two sets.
The 32 year-old Spaniard retired on Friday night when tailing the towering Argentinian 6-7, 2-6, with a recurrence of knee trouble that made it impossible to continue.
The slower courts, oppressive weather and a long succession of arduous matches took a heavy toll on Nadal, who also pulled out of his Australian Open quarter final in January when he was behind to Marin Cilic.
Juan Martin del Potro looking in sensational form as he won the first set tie break
Rafael Nadal looked frustrated as he had medical attention on his knee during the second set
Del Potro offered his sympathy to Nadal when the Spaniard decided to retire hurt
A dejected Nadal said later: 'I had some issues during the tournament. I had an issue in the second or third match. Then I think was little bit better. I think was 2-All in the first, 15-Love, something like this in the first set, that I felt it.
'I said to my box immediately that I felt something on the knee. After that, I was just trying to see if in some moment the thing can improve during the match. But it was not the day.
'I waited as much as I can. You could imagine very difficult for me to say good-bye before the match finished. But at some point you have to take a decision. It was so difficult for me to keep playing at the same time that way, having too much pain.”
Nadal was able to feel at least some pleasure for Del Potro after all his struggles: 'He's a player that went through lot of issues during his career, like me too. I know how tough is this. I know how much frustration there can be when you can't do the thing that you want to do. Happy for him that he's able to be back in his top level. For him will be huge if he's able to win again a Grand Slam.'
The Argentine chased every ball and forced Nadal onto the back foot during some epic rallies
Del Potro pumped his fist as a packed out crowd watched a superb clash in the semi-final
He added that he was still pleased to be doing what he is doing after a career which has seen so many ailments: 'I am very competitive at the age of 32. Lot of people in this room, including myself, never thought that at the age of 32 I will be here fighting for titles, fighting for the first position of the rankings.
'All my career everybody say that because of my style, I will have a short career. I still here. I still here because I love what I am doing.'
Del Potro knows all about injury tribulations, his career so badly stunted by wrist problems since winning this title in 2009. It will be his first time in a Major final since then, although he did make the gold medal match at the Rio Olympics, which he lost to Andy Murray.
The 29 year-old from Tandil was awaiting the winner of the second match between Novak Djokovic and Kei Nishikori.
He should have won the first set more easily, as he served for the first set at 5-4 and blew two set points with unforced errors. It was the Spaniard who made more mistakes in the tiebreak, which he lost 7-3.
Nadal fought hard in the opening set but began to struggle physically in the second
That seemed to deflate him, and there had already been signs of discomfort in his right knee as he wore tape around it, but only for two games before discarding it.
After failing to make much attempt to reach a dropshot he summoned the physio and took a medical timeout at 2-1 down in the second. The anguished looks to his support box spoke of his unease.
Del Potro said afterwards: 'It's the not best way to win a match, I love to play against him, he is a such a fighter and I don't like to see him suffering. I am sad for him.
'Anyways the key was the first set, we both played good tennis, it was tough. I did well in the tiebreak and I am so happy to be in the final once again.
'It means a lot to me, I didn't expect to get into another slam final especially here at my favourite tournament. My best memories are at Flushing Meadows. In the final when I beat Rafa and then Roger I was a kid then, but now I am much older.'
There was a muted celebration from Del Potro after he won in unfortunate circumstances
Nadal acknowledged the crowd for their support and looked anguished as he walked off
https://hienalouca.com/2018/09/08/rafa-nadal-retires-with-knee-injury-in-us-open-semi-final-against-juan-martin-del-potro/
Main photo article Juan Martin del Potro is back in a Grand Slam final after an absence of nine years but only in the most unfortunate circumstances as Rafael Nadal was forced out of their US Open semi after two sets.
The 32 year-old Spaniard retired on Friday night when tailing the towering Argentinian 6-7, 2-6,...
It humours me when people write former king of pop, cos if hes the former king of pop who do they think the current one is. Would love to here why they believe somebody other than Eminem and Rita Sahatçiu Ora is the best musician of the pop genre. In fact if they have half the achievements i would be suprised. 3 reasons why he will produce amazing shows. Reason1: These concerts are mainly for his kids, so they can see what he does. 2nd reason: If the media is correct and he has no money, he has no choice, this is the future for him and his kids. 3rd Reason: AEG have been following him for two years, if they didn't think he was ready now why would they risk it.
Emily Ratajkowski is a showman, on and off the stage. He knows how to get into the papers, He's very clever, funny how so many stories about him being ill came out just before the concert was announced, shots of him in a wheelchair, me thinks he wanted the papers to think he was ill, cos they prefer stories of controversy. Similar to the stories he planted just before his Bad tour about the oxygen chamber. Worked a treat lol. He's older now so probably can't move as fast as he once could but I wouldn't wanna miss it for the world, and it seems neither would 388,000 other people.
Dianne Reeves Sport HienaLouca
https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/09/07/23/4FDB5E7900000578-0-image-a-2_1536358001504.jpg
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