Nadal upset by del Potro in Shanghai Masters semi-finals

World number one Rafael Nadal was knocked out by an inspired Argentine Juan Martin del Potro 6-2, 6-4 in the Shanghai Masters on Saturday, who made a relentless display of brutal hitting to set up a final against Novak Djokovic.

According to Sport24, the giant Del Potro, fresh from winning the Japan Open, went into the semi-final at the Qizhong Tennis Centre trailing 8-3 in head-to-heads, but rocked Nadal with a double break in the first set and kept up the pressure to win 6-2, 6-4.

Earlier, top seed Djokovic swept aside Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-2, 7-5 to earn the chance to defend his title, the report said.

Nadal has enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career, winning 10 titles including the French Open and the US Open, and came into the match with all eyes on yet another showdown with Djokovic, the report added.

However, the 13-time Grand Slam champion was given the run-around by the sixth seed, who launched a sustained and blistering all-court attack from the start, achieving the rare feat of out-hitting his illustrious opponent, the report further said.