Federer eyes Grand Slam as he faces Djokovic in US Open final

Dave James 20:17 12/09/2015
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  • Tennis' finest: Roger Federer (l) and Novak Djokovic.

    Roger Federer hopes to ride a wave of emotion as he targets a sixth US Open title and 18th major today in a “straight shootout” against world No1 Novak Djokovic.

    Federer, 34, is bidding to become the oldest champion in New York since 35-year-old Australian Ken Rosewall in 1970.

    Playing in his 27th Grand Slam final and seventh at the US Open, Federer, the champion from 2004-2008 and runner-up in 2009, is a man reborn.

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    After losing his second Wimbledon final in succession to Djokovic in July, the Swiss veteran beat the Serb on his way to a seventh Cincinnati Masters crown.

    He has also not dropped a set since his All England Club defeat, a stretch of 28 sets.

    At the US Open, he has held serve in 80 of 82 games and has stunned opponents with his new ‘SABR’ (‘Sneak Attack By Roger’) chip-and-charge tactic.

    His semi-final demolition of French Open champion and compatriot Stan Wawrinka was as brutal as Djokovic’s dismantling of 
    defending champion Marin Cilic.

    The top seed allowed the Croatian just three games in the most lopsided semi-final in tournament history.

    Federer also has the crowd on his side as he pursues his first Grand Slam title since Wimbledon in 2012.

    “I definitely think if there would be more (support) on my side that will give me a lift and extra energy and momentum possibly. That could swing the match a little bit,” said Federer, aware that despite being world No1, Djokovic often struggles to command a crowd’s respect.

    “But other than that, obviously Novak is a great player. Both of us have played in tough conditions, and you’ve got to play well to beat him. There is no question about that.”

    Federer takes a 21-20 lead over Djokovic into the final. He also leads 3-2 in US Open meetings – including the 2007 championship match – but Djokovic won the last two, in the 2010 and 2011 semi-finals. Both those went to five sets.

    Federer says he knows what to expect from Djokovic, claiming that Rafael Nadal was the player who tested him the most.

    “With Novak it’s been more straightforward. That’s what I like about the rivalry. I feel like he doesn’t need to adjust his game as much,” said the Swiss.

    “I think it’s just a straight shootout and that’s the cool thing about our rivalry. It’s very athletic. We both can handle each other – whatever we present to one another, and I think our matches, it’s very even.”

    Had it not been for Wawrinka playing the match of his life in June to defeat Djokovic and claim the French Open title, the Serb could have been pondering history with a calendar Grand Slam. Wawrinka, having lost for the 17th time against his compatriot, believes Federer is playing some of his best tennis.

    “If he keeps this level, he’s going to be tough to beat,” said Wawrinka.

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