NEW YORK -- He had waited so long, endured so much frustration, pain and anxiety, but when the moment Juan Martin del Potro had been waiting and working toward for nearly a decade finally arrived Friday in Arthur Ashe Stadium, it was anti-climactic.
Rafael Nadal, with his bare arms glistening with perspiration and his carbon gray sleeveless shirt soaking through, walked toward del Potro, who rose from his courtside chair to meet him. A confused murmur ran through the packed stadium. The players conferred, heads close like a pair of officials. Nadal told his opponent he was through, withdrawing from their US Open semifinals match because of tendinitis in his right knee.