Del Potro next up

02 September, 2008 | 11:09

Andy will take on Juan Martin Del Potro for a place in the semi-finals of the US Open in a match which will have the punters at Flushing Meadows licking their lips in anticipation.

In Del Potro, Andy faces a player on a 23 match winning streak that spans four consecutive titles - Washington, Stuttgart, Kitzbuhel and Los Angeles.

Nadal aside, the Argentine is the form player of recent months, and looked in great touch during his straight sets win over Kei Nishikori.

If that isn't enough to whet the appetite, Andy hasn't spoken to Del Potro since they exchanged heated words in their last match.

They'll play this one Wednesday: they're scheduled third up on Arthur Ashe.

The Opponent

Del Potro is the latest in a long line of 'next big things' in the game of tennis: fair to say he's fitting that bill nicely at present.

Undefeated since Wimbledon (yes, really) the 19-year-old has beaten everyone in his path, picking up four consecutive titles in the process.

And that form has extended into this tournament: he arrives in the quarter-finals after beating fellow Young Gun Kei Nishikori in straight sets; the project 45'er having dumped out the No. 4 seed David Ferrer.

Yes - Del Potro is playing very well.

Head to Head

They've played just the once on the ATP tour, Andy winning their R64 encounter in Rome this year.

They know each other well from the junior circuit.

Andy's View

Their one an only meeting to date had a fair bit of edge to it; Del Potro retiring hurt after some heated exchanges between both players.

Here's what he has to say ahead of this one:

"He doesn't miss a whole a lot.

"He moves pretty well for a big guy. You know, he does everything good.

"He's got a good crosscourt backhand and he just hits the ball hard and solid and doesn't make a whole a lot of mistakes.

"I haven't spoken to him since (Rome)...whether I like Del Potro or not really doesn't make any difference. When you get on the tennis court it's another match, and you've got to win."

Catch the Match

They'll play this one Wednesday. They're scheduled third up on Arthur Ashe, where play gets underway at 4pm.

Sky Sports are covering the tournament.

Radio Five Live Sports Extra has live commentary on the match.

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