Nalbandian stuns Federer

Men's round-up Women's round-up US Open photos

David Nalbandian produced an awesome display to end Roger Federer's challenge at the US Open.

The fourth-round match was finally played on Thursday evening after three days of rain in New York.

Nalbandian lost the opening set but hit back impressively to win 3-6 7-6 6-4 6-3.

Wimbledon champion Federer looked in charge when he fought back from 5-0 down in the second set to force the tie-break, but Nalbandian raised his game another level.

The Argentine, who went into the match with a 4-0 record against Federer, broke the Swiss player's serve almost at will over the closing two sets to ease home in two hours 50 minutes.

Nalbandian, who next meets Younes El Aynaoui, is in confident mood after seeing off Mark Philippoussis and Federer in consecutive matches.

I've never felt like I had a great day playing against him Roger Federer

"I'm ready," he said. "It's time to start talking of Nalbandian as a favourite."

He added: "I like playing against Federer. I always play good against him. I like his game, but I don't know exactly why.

"I think my return is good. I don't care about his serve and volley."

A disappointed Federer was more enlightening on exactly why Nalbandian has so much success when the two meet, but admitted he did not know how to end his dismal run against the Argentine.

"I don't know what to comment on this because I'm trying to figure out how to beat him," said Federer.

"I guess he likes my game because I keep coming at him and he likes to play counter-attacking tennis - which he does extremely well.

"I've never felt like I had a great day playing against him."