Japanese ace loses teen showdown at US Open

0 Comments | AFP, September, 2008

NEW YORK (AFP) — Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro ended the US Open dream run of Japan's Kei Nishikori with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 triumph Monday in a fourth-round matchup of teen stars seen as destined for greatness.

The 19-year-old South American stretched his win streak to 23 matches and became the first teen in the last eight at the US Open since American Andy Roddick in 2001, denying the honor to his 18-year-old Asian rival.

"It's unbelievable. I don't know what happened with me and my tennis but it has been a great week for me," Del Potro said.

Nishikori, who ousted fourth seed David Ferrer in the third round, was the youngest player to reach the US Open round of 16 since Marat Safin a decade ago and would have been the youngest quarter-finalist since Andre...