Del Potro Routs Nadal for First Grand Slam Final

Nadal admits strained abdomen hampered play
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Sep 13, 2009 2:12 PM CDT
Del Potro Routs Nadal for First Grand Slam Final
Juan Martin del Potro, of Argentina, celebrates after defeating Rafael Nadal, of Spain, in three sets in their semifinals match at the US Open tennis tournament in New York, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009.    (Darron Cummings)

Rafael Nadal looked lost, swallowed up by the huge serves and crushing forehands coming at him from the 6-foot-6 opponent across the net. That was Juan Martin del Potro, who made his first Grand Slam final, handing Nadal a 6-2, 6-2, 6-2 loss today at the US Open—the worst loss Rafa has suffered in a major tournament.

"I think this is the best moment of my life," del Potro said. Nadal was dealing with a strained abdominal muscle, which after the match he finally admitted was bothering him. The six-time Grand Slam tournament champion also gave plenty of credit to del Potro, who deserved every bit of it. "Just have to congratulate him," said Nadal, who has now lost three straight to del Potro. (More US Open stories.)

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