Rafael Nadal turned dream wrecker at Flushing Meadows when he downed American favourite Mardy Fish 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 in a rowdy late late show that closed Wednesday's programme at the US Open.
In a match that started on Wednesday and did not finish until 2.10 am local time on Thursday, world number one Nadal drowned out the deafening roars on Arthur Ashe Stadium to reach the last four at Flushing Meadows for the first time.
"The night atmosphere here is always amazing here but I prefer to finish a little earlier," a beaming Nadal said court-side after securing a last-four showdown with Britain's Andy Murray.
"Thanks everyone for being here until 2 O'clock."
After overcoming a first-set hiccup, a merciless Nadal was steaming towards victory but was suddenly stopped in his tracks.
Serving at 3-2 in the fourth set, Nadal was distracted by a male fan who shouted out from the stands while the Spaniard was in full flight of his service motion.
Sportingly, Fish immediately stopped the point and then play was held up for several minutes as a security official went to deal with the offending fan.
Once the umpire had reminded the crowd of the etiquette of staying quiet during points, normal service resumed and a rampaging Nadal won the next three games, sealing victory when Fish sailed a the ball long.
At 2.10, the finish was just 16 minutes short of the US Open record for the latest finish in New York.
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