Djokovic and Federer set up US Open final

  • 12/09/2015
Roger Federer (Reuters)
Roger Federer (Reuters)

Novak Djokovic is bracing for the new and improved Roger Federer - if that's possible - when the tennis titans take grand slam rivalry to unprecedented levels in Sunday's US Open final (6.30am Monday AEST).

Djokovic and Federer, the world's top two players, will clash for a record 14th time at a major after setting up the blockbuster climax with commanding semi-final victories in New York.

The top-ranked Djokovic crushed defending champion Marin Cilic 6-0 6-1 6-2 in the most one-sided US Open semi-final in open-era history before Federer swatted aside Swiss countryman Stan Wawrinka 6-4 6-3 6-1 like he was running late for a Friday night show on Broadway.

No two men have duelled more at the slams, the enduring rivalry stretching almost nine years and really kicking in when Federer stopped the new star on the block in the 2007 final at Flushing Meadows.

Leading their career series 21-20, Federer also trumped Djokovic in the semi-finals in 2008 and 2009 during his run of five straight titles and six successive Open deciders in the Big Apple.

Djokovic, though, has had Federer's measure in six of their past eight grand slam showdowns, including their two most recent in New York and in this year's Wimbledon final.

But Djokovic knows Federer is a whole new proposition two months on, with the ageless champion's daring net-rushing service returns adding a new dimension to the Swiss master's already famously sophisticated game.

Dubbed SABR - Sneaky Attack by Roger - the tactic worked a treat against Djokovic in last month's Cincinnati Masters final and Federer is promising more in the pair's high-stakes shoot-out at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

"If it makes sense, which I think it does, I'll use it in the finals," Federer said as the 34-year-old strives to become the oldest US Open champion in 45 years.

"I used it to great effect against him in the tough situation ... in the breaker in Cincy.

"We will see if the occasion presents itself. It's got to be the right point, right frame of mind, the right place to do it.

"I hope I'll have the opportunity."

The bold chip-and-charge ploy has had the tennis world abuzz but Djokovic's coach Boris Becker is not a fan, saying it wouldn't have happened in his day.

"It's not disrespectful. Pretty simple," Federer countered.

Djokovic knows it's coming but adding spice to Sunday's occasion, the Serb said he'd never try it.

"He tried that in Cincinnati. It worked a couple of times," he said.

"It's an exciting shot for him. For the player on the opposite side of the net, not so much.

"So I have nothing else to say about it."

While Federer is chasing an 18th grand slam crown - but first in three years - and contesting his 27th final, Djokovic is trying to emulate his 2011 three-major season after advancing to all four of the big ones for the first time in his career.

"He's had a tremendous year," Federer said.

"There's a lot on the line always when we play against each other, especially in finals."

Already a nine-times grand slam champion at 28, Djokovic is desperate to improve his strike rate having accrued his major haul in 17 finals.

"I haven't been very successful in the US Open finals," the Serb said.

"I've won one and lost four but still I've been very successful and played some of my best tennis here."

AFP