JUAN MARTIN FOUGHT LIKE A LION: ROGER

New York, Sept. 7: Juan Martin del Potro soaked up the adulation of his supporters on Wednesday and said he deserved to beat Roger Federer in a US Open quarter-final, booking a Friday semi-final showdown with top-ranked Rafael Nadal.

Argentine 28th seed del Potro defeated the 19time Grand Slam champion 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (10/8), 64 in Arthur Ashe Stadium, a court where Federer has dominated rivals from more than a decade.

“I think it’s my home court too,” del Potro told the crowd. “You make me feel happy every time when I play here and I love your support.”

Federer, who raced into the interview room after his defeat, praised del Potro, saying, “Juan Martin fought like a lion.”

The ruined possible first-ever New York matchup between Federer and Nadal, which had been a focus headed into the match, was an afterthought to Federer in the wake of a comprehensive loss.

“I didn’t even think of it, that I lost so that match is not going to happen,” Federer said. “I’m dealing with understanding what happened.

“Of course, it’s a pity but Juan Martin deserves it more.”

Del Potro, who has undergone four wrist surgeries since beating Federer eight years ago in the final, rescued four set points in the third set tie-breaker. “I cannot believe to play another semi-final after all my injuries.”