‘I deserved to beat Federer’, says ‘lion’ Del Potro

New York: Juan Martin Del Potro soaked up the adulation of his supporters Wednesday and said he deserved to beat Roger Federer in a US Open quarter-final, booking a Friday semifinal showdown with top-ranked Rafael Nadal.

Argentinian 28th seed Del Potro defeated the 19-time Grand Slam champion 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (10/8), 6-4 in Arthur Ashe Stadium, a court where Federer has dominated rivals from more than a decade.

“I think it's my home court too,” Del Potro told the crowd. "You make me feel happy every time when I play here and I love your support."

Del Potro said he hopes to repeat his 2009 victory over Nadal ahead of his epic five-set victory over Federer to capture his only Grand Slam title.

"Against Rafa, hopefully I can repeat the result," Del Potro said. "I know against Rafa the crowd will be tough for me but I hope you are cheering for me again.

"He's number one in the world, but with this amazing support anything can happen."