NEW YORK—Tennis is a solo sport, but Juan Martin del Potro continues to draw strength from support and surprise.

The third-seeded del Potro dethroned defending champion Rafael Nadal to return to his first US Open final since he won the 2009 title.

Watch: Del Potro Returns To US Open Final

The man who has endured four wrist surgeries to make his major final return said he draws motivational fuel from two sources: his friends and surprising the tennis world.

About 10 of del Potro's buddies from his hometown of Tandil, Argentina have served as a vocal support system during his US Open run.

"Well, you see the friends who cames to watch me? They are very important for me to be in this stage at the moment because they were behind me in that years, trying to keep my mind in positive way, for never give up during my wrist problems," del Potro said. "I didn't know if I will be a tennis player again or not. But I'm here.

"I'm exciting to keep surprising the tennis world, as I did with myself. Never knows what could happen in the future. So I'm happy just to be a tennis player again after all my wrist problems."

Photo credit: US Open Facebook