Roger Federer’s dream of becoming the first man in 87 years to win six US Opens was destroyed by big-swinging Czech Tomas Berdych on Wednesday.
It was the Swiss legend’s earliest New York defeat in nine years.
The 17-time grand slam title winner, bidding to reach his 33rd grand slam semi-final, and ninth in a row at the US Open, was beaten 7-6 (7-1) 6-4 3-6 6-3 by sixth-seeded Berdych.
Berdych will now face British third seed Andy Murray for a place in Sunday’s title match.