• US Open, Men's Draw

Djokovic primed after rain delay

ESPN staff
September 13, 2010
Novak Djokovic was happy to see the rain hit New York © Getty Images
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Novak Djokovic is hopeful the rain delay will enable him to be at the peak of his powers for the US Open final with Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic won a punishing five-set semi-final with Roger Federer on Saturday and said in his post-match interview that he would pray for rain. His pleas were answered as persistent rain forced officials to move the final back 24 hours to Monday.

The Serb struggled to sleep following his win over Federer and will benefit from the extra 24 hours' rest.

"I was watching golf and trying to sleep but because of the adrenalin I couldn't," he said. "I was walking around killing time. Tomorrow is a new day. I will try to rest as much as I can and get some recovery. I'm sure I'll be fit to play my best tennis.

"Maybe it goes in my favour it being cancelled by one day, but I was ready and a final is a final and you always find some energy."

The delay certainly works in Djokovic's favour, but Nadal is unfazed by having to wait to get on court.

"I just wait one more day here in New York, it's not terrible," he said. "I just need to make sure I'm ready. I am in the final for the first time and this is a new step in my career. It is the last grand slam remaining, so if I lose I will come back with positive things and that is important."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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