Rafael Nadal has beaten Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro to set up a US Open final against Kevin Anderson.

The Spanish star won nine games in a row at one stage on his way to a 4-6 6-0 6-3 6-2 victory in the second semi-final.

The 31-year-old [Nadal] will try his luck for a third US Open and 16th Grand Slam title on Sunday, against a surprise opponent.

South Africa's Anderson, 31, beat Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta 4-6 7-5 6-3 6-4 earlier on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

At 32 in the world, Anderson is the lowest-ranked man to reach a US Open singles final since the ranking system was introduced in 1973.

He faces a huge challenge against Nadal, who has a 4-0 record in their head-to-head and grew stronger as the match wore on against a tired Del Potro.

"It means a lot," BBC quoted Nadal. "It has been an amazing season of course after a couple with injures and troubles.

"To be back here in front of this amazing crowd, on this amazing court, and to have the chance to fight for another title is so important to me," he added.

The last time Nadal lost a Grand Slam semi-final was against Del Potro on the same court eight years ago, and he was not about to endure a repeat performance.