• US Open - Men's Draw

Djokovic praying for rain after marathon victory

ESPNsoccernet staff
September 12, 2010
Novak Djokovic has reached his second US Open final © Getty Images
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Novak Djokovic admits he is praying for rain to delay Sunday's US Open final after he came through a five-set epic to beat Roger Federer.

Djokovic twice came back from a set down before saving two match points to win 5-7 6-1 5-7 6-2 7-5 at Flushing Meadows. The victory stopped Federer reaching the final for the first time in seven years.

Now the No. 3 seed faces Rafael Nadal in Sunday's final, with less than 24 hours' recovery time following almost four hours on court. Fortunately for the Serb, rain is expected in New York during the back end of the weekend.

"Really?" Djokovic responded. "I don't know the rituals to invite the rain but an extra day would be great actually.

"I am tired, there's no secret about that. For four sets I was quite okay but the fifth set was very intensive mentally and physically and took a lot out of me.

"But in the end it's a remarkable win and I'm sure I will find the strength to give my best on the court. It was just a big pleasure playing in this kind of match, it is one of those you will always remember in your career and I am just so thrilled to be in the final.

"I was just closing my eyes and hitting the forehand as fast as I can on the match points. If it goes in, it goes in, if it goes out it's another loss to Federer in the US Open. I was lucky and it was just a couple of points to decide the winner."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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