NEW YORK: World number one Rafael Nadal moved one win away from a third US Open title and 16th Grand Slam crown Friday when he defeated weary Juan Martin del Potro 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2.
The 31-year-old Spaniard, the 2010 and 2013 champion in New York, will be playing in his 23rd Slam final and third this year, looking to add the US title to his record 10th French Open.
In Sunday’s final, the world number one will face 32nd-ranked Kevin Anderson, the first South African in the championship match in 52 years.
Anderson reached his maiden final at the majors by beating 12th-seeded Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4.
For 2009 champion Del Potro, Friday’s match was one too many as the physical and emotional toll of seeing off Roger Federer in four sets in the previous round left him spent.
“I have had an amazing season after some tough moments with injuries in recent years,†said Nadal. “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.â€
Nadal said the key to Friday’s win was a change of tactics after the first set. “I played too much to his backhand and I felt he was waiting for me there,†he said. “I changed it and it worked very well. I made him move more and make it all more unpredictable.â€
Nadal finished with 45 winners and 20 unforced errors to Del Potro’s 23 and 40.
Despite a 4-0 winning record over Anderson, Nadal said he will not underestimate his opponent on Sunday.
