Rafael Nadal gets 'emotional' after Juan Martin del Potro Wimbledon win
RAFAEL NADAL came from two sets to one down to Juan Martin del Potro to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals for the first time in seven years.
It had looked like it would be business as usual for Nadal, who had yet to drop a set in the tournament, as he took the first 7-5 with Del Potro struggling to find range for his first set.
But the Argentinian began to hit his straps in the second and third, winning a dramatic tie-break in which he saved four set points before breaking Nadal to love to take a 2-1 lead.
However, Nadal showed why he is a 17-time Grand Slam champion in the final two sets, overcoming a spirited Del Potro to seal a 7-5, 6-7, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory.
“It was a very emotional match with a great quality of tennis especially in the last set,” Nadal said afterwards.
“I’m sorry for Juan Martin. He’s an amazing opponent and amazing player. In some ways he deserved victory too.
"Last year I lost a match 15-13 in the fifth [to Gilles Muller] but I’m very happy now.
"It’s a very important achievement today.
“There were some great points, and great rallies. I just tried to resist.
"I’m happy about the way I maintained focus and the body held too.”
Nadal has never lost at the semi-final stage at Wimbledon, beating Andy Murray on his last visit to the last four in 2011.
But he went on to lose that final to Novak Djokovic, who now awaits him in the semis after beating Kei Nishikori.
“Now is the moment to enjoy but at the same time to start the recovery,” Nadal added.
“It was a very tough battle.
“The opponent that is coming is one of the toughest that I can face.”