World No.3 Novak Djokovic will take on World No.1 Rafael Nadal in the finals of the 2010 U S Open. It is the the first time that Nadal the favourite has made it to the finals of the U S Open, while Djokovic the challenger is more experienced in this regard having made it to the finals earlier inthe 2007 U S Open. However when it comes to overall experience Nadal the world number one is the more experienced o the two having won 8 Grand Slams while Djokovic has just a solitary Grand Slam victory in 2008 Australian Open.
While credit should be given for Djokovic for winning the fourth and fifth sets to end Roger Federer's dream run of six consecutive final appearances at the U S Open, fans will be disappointed of being deprived of a Federer Nadal final. The last time both Federer and Nadal appeared in the final was in the finals of the 2009 Australian Open which Nadal won. With Djokovic having eliminated Federer one hopes he does not go the Soderling way of eliminating one of the two greats and making it easier for the other one. Djokovic can look up to Juan Del Potro for inspiration who defeated Federer in win last years U S Open and if Djokovic believes in himself there is no reason why he cannot beat Nadal if Del Potro can beat Federer a much bigger big match player.
While credit must be given for Djokovics epic victory over Roger Federer one must say that Federer has had his worst year in the last six years. While Federer began the year brilliantly winning the Australian open he has failed to make even the finals of the next 3 tripping in the quarterfinals of French Open and Wimbledon before falling at the semi finals of the U S Open. Nadal in contrast has an extra ordinary year having made it to the Grand Slams of French Open, Wimbledon and U S Open winning the first two of them with the third one yet to be played. Rafael Nadal has a couple of career milestones ahead of him. If Nadal wins the U S Open he would have completed a Career Grand Slam and if he wins the Australian Open in 2010 he would have a non calendar year Grand Slam to his credit.
As of the now the finals have been re scheduled because of rain and this one must say works out to Djokovic's advantage more than Nadal. While world number one Nadal played the first semi final and cruised through the match in three sets, Djokovic played second and had to wear down Federer in five sets. Djokovic would have been mentally and physically exhausted after the five setter against Federer and the rain delay has come as a blessing in disguise for him. Nadal on the other hand would find the delay more irritating because he would be eager to get to a career Grand Slam as early as possible which looks highly probable considering the fact he has managed to avoid Roger Federer in the finals thanks to Djokovics exploits.
If Nadal wins the U S Open it would be his ninth Grand Slam which would take him past the likes of Ivan Lendl, Jimmy Connors and Andre Agassi who had 8 Grand Slam wins.