Breaking new ground

03 September, 2008 | 23:09

Andy is through to a first ever Grand Slam semi-final after defeating Juan Martin Del Potro 7-6 (2) 7-6 (1) 4-6 7-5 at the US Open.

He'll now face Rafael Nadal or Mardy Fish in the semis.

In stark contrast to the Wawrinka match, this one was closely fought throughout; the Argentine mounting a spirited comeback after conceding the first two sets in tie-breaks.

It had looked inevitable that Andy would wrap the match up in straight sets after he broke first in the third, but Del Potro dug deep and came from behind to take it 6-4.

The momentum with him, Del Potro broke first to edge ahead in the fourth, and looked like he might take it the distance.

But Andy broke back to level, and both players would then trade yet more breaks - one apiece - to see Del Potro serving to stay in the match at 5-6.

The Argentine had been to the well that many times it came as no surprise that it eventually ran dry: a forehand error chalked up two match points, with another sealing Andy's progress into the semi-final stages.

Much had been made beforehand of bad feeling between these two, but as they shook hands on it, there was obvious respect.

Match Stats