2017 US Open: Del Potro Defeat Federer In Four Sets, Setup Semi-finals With Nadal

Roger Federer’s hopes of claiming a record-extending 20th grand slam title was dashed on Wednesday, when Juan Martin del Potro sent him packing in the US Open quarterfinal.

5-time defending champion, Federer fell to a 7-5 3-6 7-6(8) 6-4 defeat in four sets to 24th seed Argentinian del Potro.

The Argentinian enjoyed strong support from the sold-out 23,771 crowd on Arthur Ashe under the lights, with a spine-chilling roar welcoming his victory.

“I think it’s my homecourt, too, you make me feel happy everytime I play here and I love your support guys. I love to see you cheer for me,” he told the crowd.

“After all my injuries and surgeries … New York is my favourite tournament, my favourite city to play tennis.”

Del Potro goes on to face top seed Rafael Nadal, who earlier beat Russian teenager Andrey Rublev 6-1, 6-2, 6-2.

Friday’s other semi-final will see South Africa’s Kevin Anderson take on Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta.

In the women’s category, Coco Vandeweghe ended Karolina Pliskova’s reign as world number one as she reached the US Open semi-finals with a straight-set win. She won 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 in the quarter-final at Flushing Meadows.

Vandeweghe goes on to face compatriot Madison Keys in the last four in New York.

Meanwhile, US ninth seed Williams, seeking her third US Open crown, advanced to a Thursday matchup against 83rd-ranked compatriot Sloane Stephens for a spot in Saturday’s final.