Rafael Nadal has moved closer to winning another US Open title and 16th Grand Slam crown, after defeating Juan Martin Del Potro in a 4 – 6, 6 – 0, 6 – 3, 6 – 2 encounter on Friday.
In the final on Sunday, the world number one will face 32nd-ranked Kevin Anderson, the first South African in the Championship match in 52 years.
This will be Anderson’s maiden final at the majors, and he got there by beating Pablo Carreno Busta 4 – 6, 7 – 5, 6 – 3, 6 – 4.
Del Potro, 2009 Champion, saw Roger Federer off in the previous round.
Nadal expressed his joy at being at the final again, and disclosed that a change in tactics after the first set, was the key to his Friday win.
“It’s a very emotional year for me. I am in the final again and get the chance to fight for another title which is very important. I played too much to his backhand and I felt he was waiting for me there.
I changed it and it worked very well. I made him move more and make it all more unpredictable.”, he said.
Nadal already has a 4-0 winning record over Anderson but said that he will not underestimate his opponent on Sunday.
“He is a very dangerous player with a big serve and plays very well on this surface. I have known him since we were 12. He’s had many injuries but the way he has come back is a great example to the kids.”
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