Del Potro outlasts Nadal in epic clash, will face Murray in Rio 2016 final

Rafael Nadal won't get a chance to make it a hat trick of Olympic gold medals. The Spaniard fell in the semifinals at Rio 2016 on Saturday, losing an enthralling encounter to Juan Martin del Potro.

The Argentine, who has battled through a quartet of wrist surgeries in his career and contemplated retirement because of the persistent problem, emerged victorious in a third-set tiebreak, 5-7, 6-4, 7-6 (7-5).

He'll now meet defending Olympic champion Andy Murray in Sunday's final. Delpo, as he is affectionately known, is looking to improve on his bronze medal from four years ago in London.

Related: Reigning champion Andy Murray advances to gold medal final

"I don't know if I will be ready for the gold tomorrow," an emotional Del Potro said after the match. "I've already won the silver, and that's enough for me.

"He's going to be the favorite for sure," the 27-year-old said of Murray.

Del Potro could cap an incredible run in Brazil with a triumph over Murray, as he already dispatched world No. 1 Novak Djokovic en route to the final.

Nadal, meanwhile, went into the match looking for an opportunity to play for his third career gold medal. The oft-injured lefty won the singles tournament in Beijing (2008), while capturing the doubles gold in Rio earlier this week.

Instead, he'll have to settle for a shot at bronze, where he'll meet American Steve Johnson.