Meet the US Open men's semi-finalists

World No. 1 Rafael Nadal and 24th seed Argentine Juan Martin del Potro are expected to produce some spectacular fireworks when the two players clash in the semi-finals of the US Open in New York on Friday.

Argentine del Potro ruined the potential Nadal showdown with Roger Federer in the semi-final with a superb defeat of the Swiss maestro on Wednesday.

Nadal and Del Potro will be the undisputed headliners on Friday with the other clash featuring 12th seeded Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta and South African Kevin Anderson, both of whom are playing their first Grand Slam semi-final.

A look at the form and records of the four semi-finalists:

Rafael Nadal (Top seed)

The 31-year-old Spaniard has won more matches than anyone else on tour this year and lifted four titles, including a record-extending 10th French Open.

Following a lacklustre show in the hardcourt warm-up events, Nadal is yet to be tested at the US Open, with his first five wins coming against players ranked outside the top 50.

He holds a 8-5 win-loss record against Del Potro but he lost their only previous meeting at the US Open in 2009.

Juan Martin del Potro (24th seed)

After a dominant display to see off Roger Federer, the Argentine will be confident on reaching his first Grand Slam final since winning the title at Flushing Meadows in 2009.

Having played nine sets over the last two matches, the Argentine admitted he may not be in the best shape for the semi-final on Friday.

"Physically I'm not in the perfect conditions, but when you play semi-finals of a grand slam, everything can happen, so you must be ready for the chance," said Del Potro, whose career has been hampered by injuries and surgeries.

"Playing against Rafa in my favourite tournament, I will try to enjoy the atmosphere and the game."

Pablo Carreno Busta (12th seed)

The 26-year-old Spaniard has not dropped a set at the US Open so far and rarely been troubled apart from the clash against Canadian Denis Shapovalov.

He will face his toughest test yet in the semi-finals against Kevin Anderson, who has won on both occasions the two have played each other.

Carreno Busta, who has three career singles titles, including one in Estoril this year, is gunning for his maiden grand slam.

Kevin Anderson (28th seed)

The big-serving Anderson became the first South African man or woman to reach the semi-finals at the US Open in the Open era with his gritty win over Sam Querrey.

Arguably playing the best tennis of his career, Anderson has fired 92 aces in the tournament so far and has been aggressive in his approach as he too targets his first major.