Some things just are not meant to happen.
From the moment the draw was made for the U.S. Open, all the talk was about the potential for the first clash between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at Flushing Meadows.
But yet again, hopes of a New York clash between two of the greatest players of all time were dashed, this time by the giant hands of Juan Martin del Potro as he claimed a 7-5, 3-6 7-6(8), 6-4 victory that few saw coming.
“I didn’t even think about it, as I lost that match, that it’s not going to happen,” Federer said.
“Of course, it is a pity but, you know, Juan Martin deserves it more.
“I feel I have no place in the semis and he will have a better chance to beat Rafa, to be honest.
“The way I played or playing right now, it’s not good enough in my opinion to win this tournament.
“It’s better I’m out and somebody else gets a chance to do better than me.”
Such was the anticipation of fans looking forward to the potential clash between Federer and Nadal, the cheapest tickets for Friday’s semifinals were on offer at well over $700 on the official ticketing website when the match began.
By the time del Potro had clinched victory to reach his first Grand Slam semifinal since 2013, they had crashed below $200.
“I played (Nadal) in 2009 too, the same as Roger and hopefully I can repeat the result,” he said.
“We look older but he’s having an amazing season, number one in the world but with this amazing support anything can happen.”
