So much for the first US Open match-up between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Federer failed to live up to his end of the bargain.
Hours after Nadal did his part with an easy-as-can-be victory to get to the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows, Federer was unable to join him for what would have been the most-anticipated showdown of the entire two weeks, wasting chances to take control and missing shots he normally makes in a 7-5 3-6 7-6 (8) 6-4 loss to 2009 champion Juan Martin del Potro on Wednesday night.
Tennis icon set to become oldest singles competitor at Flushing Meadows since 1981 after receiving wild-card entry — yet another historic moment in a career already filled with them, writes HOWARD FENDRICH
British star can take inspiration from 2021 clash in today’s rematch on Centre court
Norwegian’s French Open struggle lays bare brutal truth in elite game — playing in pain isn’t the exception, it’s the expectation, writes HOWARD FENDRICH



