Del Potro to meet five-time champ Federer in US final
ARGENTINA’S Juan Martin del Potro will attempt to deny Roger Federer a sixth consecutive US Open title in today’s final after the victory of his career against Rafael Nadal yesterday.
Sixth seed Del Potro, 20, thrashed former world No1 Nadal 6-2, 6-2, 6-2 to reach his maiden Grand Slam final. The Spaniard, who missed Wimbledon with a tendonitis in both knees and has more recently endured an abdominal problem, was overpowered by 6ft 6in Del Potro in little more than two hours. Del Potro said: “I’m very close now to my dream to win this tournament. I hope to do it but I’m so happy to be here in this moment. If I win or lose tomorrow, I think this is the best moment of my life.”
Federer, who is aiming to extend his own record to 16 Grand Slam wins, dazzled in defeating fourth seed Novak Djokovic in yesterday’s other semi-final. The Swiss beat the Serb 7-6, 7-5, 7-5, delighting the crowd with an outrageous through-the-legs shot in the final game.
Top seed Federer called his trick-shot “the greatest I’ve ever played”, adding: “I had a lot of fun out there.”
Meanwhile, world No2 Serena Williams was last night handed the maximum on-site fine of $10,000 (£6,000) for haranguing a lineswoman.
Williams was penalised a point, thus losing her semi-final against Kim Clijsters on Saturday night, for shouting at the official, who had called a foot fault. She could yet face further sanctions, while the WTA condemned Williams’ behaviour as “inappropriate and unprofessional”.