Next up on court at Arthur Ashe Stadium, it's World No.1, Rafael Nadal against the much-loved Argentinean Juan Martin Del Potro. It's not the latest chapter in the Nadal-Federer rivalry, but it's still a tasty encounter with Delpo hoping to emulate his triumph back in 2009 and Rafa aiming to move one step closer to a 16th major title. The players are due on court shortly in what promises to be a titanic tussle.

VAMOS RAFA!

GAME, SET AND MATCH!- NADAL 4-6 6-0 6-3 6-2 DEL POTRO. Nadal has done it! The two-time champion is into his fourth US Open final after ending Delpo's fairytale run in two hours and 31 minutes. He serves it out with aplomb, clinching it on the first of two match points with a lovely pass on the run. The World No.1 moved up several gears after struggling in the first set, completely wiping the floor with the 2009 winner in the remainder of the match to keep his dream of a 16th Grand Slam title alive. He will now meet South Africa's No.28 seed, Kevin Anderson on Sunday evening.

NADAL 4-6 6-0 6-3 5-2 DEL POTRO. Delpo prolongs his own agony a little while longer with a solid love hold. Rafa will now serve for a spot in the final.

NADAL 4-6 6-0 6-3 5-1 DEL POTRO. It's almost a shock when Nadal misses now. He corks a backhand wide of the tramlines at 40-0, but it only postpones the inevitable y seconds as he puts away an emphatic overhead to move within a game of the final.

BREAK! - NADAL 4-6 6-0 6-3 4-1 DEL POTRO. JM's game has gone ragged now. Tired errors are leaking off his racket and Nadal is playing like he just this minute strolled onto court. Delpo unleashes a crunching winner, but it's his only point as another wild attempt down the line sees Rafa clinch the double break.

NADAL 4-6 6-0 6-3 3-1 DEL POTRO. Nadal consolidates to love. He's still moving like a blur around that court. No sign of fatigue on his brow or in his shot-making.

This chap awaits in Sunday's final.

BREAK! - NADAL 4-6 6-0 6-3 2-1 DEL POTRO. More fist pumping as Rafa gets the early break by picking up a low bounce at the net and slipping it delightfully down the line. It's looking bleak for Delpo. He's fought back before but he's going to have to make his move fast if he's to halt Rafa now.

NADAL 4-6 6-0 6-3 1-1 DEL POTRO. That's excellent serving from the Spaniard. He thunders down a couple of bullets and follows up another with swift volley to breeze to the hold to love.

NADAL 4-6 6-0 6-3 0-1 DEL POTRO. The big forehand makes a sustained appearance as Delpo looks to keep the points short. It pays off as he races to a hold to 15 to claim the scoreboard advantage. He needs the psychological boost if he's to drag his tired and aching body the full distance here.

Vamos!

SET! - NADAL 4-6 6-0 6-3 DEL POTRO. A flurry of fist pumps as Rafa moves in front as we hit the two-hour mark! It's a nervy game as a reinvigorated Delpo turns the screw before slapping a weak attempt into the net at 30-30. Nadal takes the freebie and seals the set with an overhead to follow up a stonking forehand down the line.

NADAL 4-6 6-0 5-3 DEL POTRO. Still hope for Del Potro and his followers. Nadal notches up two set points, but the South American suddenly hits some huge forehands to get to deuce. The pair exchange blows before a Nadal miss on a disguised dropshot gives his opponent the chance to see it out. Nadal will now serve for the set.

NADAL 4-6 6-0 5-2 DEL POTRO. Nadal is clearly the aggressor when they lock horns in a rally now. The Spaniard is mixing his game brilliantly. He's throwing in dropshots, venomous drives off both flanks and there's even a ace down the middle T. It's too much for Delpo as Rafa moves to within a game of a 2-1 lead.