By Daily Sports on September 6, 2019

Rafael Nadal remains the favourite to win the US Open – and move within one of Roger Federer’s tally of 20 Grand Slams – after a hard-fought quarter-final win over Diego Schwartzman.

Spanish second seed Nadal won 6-4 7-5 6-2 against the Argentine 20th seed.

But he was made to work as Schwartzman twice rallied from four-game deficits in a stuffy Arthur Ashe stadium.

Nadal, 33, will next play Italy’s 24th seed Matteo Berrettini, who beat Gael Monfils in their last-eight match.

Three of the men's semi-finalists – Berrettini, Grigor Dimitrov and Daniil Medvedev – have never played in a Grand Slam final.

“To see myself in the situation to lose both breaks in a row was tough, but I’m super happy with the way I accepted the challenge,” Nadal said.

“Here I am, semi-finals, it means everything to me.

“Physically I'm fine. Today was a heavy day, big humidity, and I sweat a lot. I had some big moments at the end of the second set and beginning of the third, but the last few games I felt good again.”

Of his opponent in the semi-finals, Nadal added: “I saw him play. He has big serves, big forehands, and is super confident. He makes big steps forward every week so it will be a big challenge but now is the moment to keep going.” (BBC)

•Photo shows Rafael Nadal

Source Daily Sports

Posted September 6, 2019

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