World number 24 Mikhail Youzhny has revealed that the New York crowd spurred him on to advance to the quarter-finals of the US Open.
The Russian moved into the last four at Flushing Meadows after a thrilling 6-3 3-6 6-7 6-4 7-5 victory over Lleyton Hewitt on Tuesday.
Youzhny says that it was the fans' support of the Australian that inspired him to claim the win in a terrific atmosphere.
"It was a great atmosphere and a joy to play here. I fought back in the fourth and fifth sets because I didn't want to be heading home just yet," said Youzhny.
"The crowd wasn't against me but for Lleyton. It gave me power to keep coming back.
"Lleyton is a great player. When he is on the court he always fights. He's still a top player and can beat top players like [Juan Martin] Del Potro [in the second round]. It was very tough for me to beat him for just the second time."
Youzhny will face Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals.
