Ferrer stuns Nadal at US Open

Updated 09.36 Wed Sep 05 2007

Keywords: Carlos Moya, Novak Djokovic, David Ferrer, Rafael Nadal, US Open, sport, tennis

Rafael Nadal's US Open bid has been brought to a dramatic end by fellow Spaniard David Ferrer in the fourth round.

The world number two took the first set 7-3 on a tie-break before being pegged back by Ferrer, who went on to wrap up a 6-7 6-4 7-6 6-2 victory in the early hours at Flushing Meadows.

Rafael Nadal took the first set 7-3 on a tie-break before being pegged back by Ferrer, who went on to wrap up a 6-7 6-4 7-6 6-2 victory in the early hours at Flushing Meadows

Nadal, who has yet to progress past the last eight in the New York Grand Slam tournament, has been battling tendinitis in his left knee but was not looking for excuses.

The reigning French Open champion said: "It's disappointing for me, but that is part of the sport. I gave 100 per cent.

"I prefer that I don't speak about my body right now because I don't want to make an excuse. (Ferrer) is a very tough player. He's having an unbelievable season."

Ferrer, who has been seeded 15th, will now face 20th seed Juan Ignacio Chela for a place in the semi-finals. Chela defeated Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland 6-4 2-6 6-7 6-1 6-4.

The 25-year-old Spaniard has equalled his best performance in a Grand Slam tournament to date by reaching the quarter-finals but is refusing to rest on his laurels.

He is joined in the last eight by compatriot Carlos Moya, who beat unseeded 19-year-old Latvian Ernests Gulbis 7-5 6-2 6-7 6-4, and will meet rising star Novak Djokovic.

Djokovic battled illness as well as a back problem as he overcame the considerable challenge posed by Juan Monaco 7-5 7-6 6-7 6-1.

Looking forward to his clash with Djokovic, Moya said: "The good think is I beat him twice this year. Every match is a different story but it's going to be very tough match for me and I'll try and do my best."