TIL Desk Sports/ A weary and wounded world number one Rafael Nadal retired from his US Open semi-final while trailing Juan Martin del Potro 7-6(3), 6-2 on Friday, sending the Argentine back to the Flushing Meadows final for the first time since his 2009 triumph.
Del Potro will meet Serbia’s Novak Djokovic, who easily beat Japan’s Kei Nishikori 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in the second semi-final. Nadal, who had never before retired from a US Open match, showed signs of distress almost from the start as he limped noticeably after a gruelling 69-minute opening set.
He called for the trainer during the changeover on serve at 2-1 in the second. The defending champion had his knee massaged and re-taped and bravely continued through the second set before telling the umpire he was unable to continue.
“It’s not the best way to win a match,” said Del Potro. “I love to play against Rafa because he’s the biggest fighter in this sport. “I’m sad for him.”Nadal’s stamina and famous fitness have been put to the test on the sweltering Flushing Meadows hardcourts as he has logged nearly 16 hours through five matches.
