Nadal pleased with Fish feast

NEW YORK: World No 1 Rafael Nadal advanced to his first US Open semifinal by battling back to defeat 35th-ranked American Mardy Fish 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 early yesterday morning.

The reigning Wimbledon, French Open and Olympic champion from Spain ousted Fish after two hours and 40 minutes, finishing at 2:10 in the morning and thanking the hearty fans who stayed to the end of a day full of long matches.

"For sure not the best conditions to play any match," Nadal said. "Sometimes schedules are tough. Nothing to do, just accept, go on court and try my best."