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Djokovic blasts US Open schedule ahead of final

Novak Djokovic is hoping for a change at the US Open © PA Photos

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Novak Djokovic has described the "Super Saturday" concept at the US Open as "ridiculous" as he prepares to take on Andy Murray in the final on Monday.

Djokovic, who will aim to defend the title he claimed in 2011 in the decider, reached this year's final courtesy of a 2-6 6-1 6-4 6-2 win over David Ferrer. The second seed later blasted the schedule and called for tournament officials to abandon the crammed programme.

"I'm not so sure about this Super Saturday," Djokovic said. "I really hope that the tournament will consider changing things for next year.

"Eventually playing back-to-back five sets with the top rivals, top guys, I think that's ridiculous from the players' perspective.

"I think I'm not speaking in the name of myself only. I think most of the players will agree. Every other grand slam has a Friday/Sunday last couple of days. This is the only Grand Slam that has Super Saturday. We'll see what happens."

The US Open adopted the "Super Saturday" concept in 1984, hosting both men's semi-finals and the women's final played on Saturday with the men's final played the following day.

Tournament officials have revealed that Djokovic may get his wish, hinting at plans to a change in the semi-final scheduling format next year, though exact details have not been made public.

"We are committed to a day of rest between the semis and finals beginning in 2013," tournament director David Brewer said.

Djokovic will be aiming for his sixth grand slam title on Monday, while Murray will be pushing for his maiden crown in his fifth final. It is the fifth straight year inclement weather has pushed the men's final back to Monday.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.