Andy Roddick staged a remarkable comeback to quell the challenge of David Nalbandian and reach his first ever Grand Slam final. Roddick will face third seed and new world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero in Sunday's final after a stunning 6-7 (4-7) 3-6 7-6 (9-7) 6-1 6-3 victory.
"This is giant because it allows me to win a Grand Slam title," Roddick said afterwards.
"The turning point was clearly the third set tie-break. At that point I was nearly down and out. I had no pressure at that point so just went for it.
"I think David played super-well out there today. Very, very well."
 |  It's difficult to play without a serve and without a backhand |
The fourth seed and tournament favourite looked finished as his opponent played near-perfect tennis to build a commanding two-set lead. But Roddick, backed by a raucous crowd inside Arthur Ashe stadium, took the third set to a tie-break and had to save a match point with a trademark bullet first serve before he gave himself a glimmer of hope by reducing the deficit.
Nalbandian, who had beaten Roger Federer and Younes El Aynaoui in previous rounds, suddenly began to look tired and his groundstrokes became increasingly ragged as he all but gave away the fourth set. And Roddick completed a momentous recovery by breaking at 4-3 in the decider before serving out.
Nalbandian admitted he had been hampered by a wrist injury, although played down the fatigue that came with playing for three successive days. "It's difficult to play without a serve and without a backhand," he said.
"It's difficult to play three days in a row. It's also difficult to play against Andy, he's a great player.
"I felt pretty good, I didn't feel tired."
MMIX
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