The defending champion is back in the final again after Sunday’s 2-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 victory over No. 4 seed David Ferrer.
Ferrer was leading Novak 5-2 in the first set on Saturday before play was suspended due to a severe weather warning for the New York area.
Sunday was completely different. The sun was out, the oppressive humidity was gone and it felt like a lovely fall day. Djokovic, too, had a sunny disposition
After Ferrer served out the first set in a manner of minutes, Djokovic went to work. He won the first five games of the second set but needed a taut, four-deuce game to close the deal. Djokovic’s court coverage was spectacular and his backhand, if possible, was better. An unreturnable serve down the middle leveled the match, but it already felt over. Sliding on these hard courts, like no one else, Djokovic overwhelmed Ferrer. In the final three sets, he converted six of eight break points. In the last two sets, Djokovic won 27 of 30 first-serve points.
Djokovic was playing in his 10th consecutive Grand Slam semifinal, equaling Rod Laver and Lendl for the second-longest streak behind Roger Federer’s record of 23.
Match statistics: aces (7-1), double faults (1-3), winners (34-24), unforced errors (31-39), total points won (107-86).
“I love playing here,” Djokovic said. “I love the energy. I love the crowd.”
At which point the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium interrupted his on-court interview with lusty cheers.
“The crowd interacts with the points, the players, the matches,”. “Especially the night sessions, it’s quite a unique setting.”
“We were all praying for less wind today,” he said. “I think he handled the wind much better than I did. I came into today as a different player.”
About Ferrer: “It’s definitely huge to get through this match,”. “He’s a great competitor. He’s one of the fittest guys on tour. He never gives up.”
“I’m not so sure about this Super Saturday. I really hope that the tournament will consider changing things for next year.”
About his match vs Murray: “I don’t think there is any clear favorite,”. “He’s looking for his first Grand Slam. I’m sure he’s going to be very motivated.” “We are big rivals & we have been in top of the men’s game for a long time, we know each other really well.”
Novak will meet the Olympic gold medalist and no.3 seed Andy Murray in attempt to win the second crown at Flushing Meadows Monday at 4pm (EST).
Source: ESPN
USA Today