Djokovic and Federer face day of frustration
NEW YORK — Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer meet for the 42nd time in Sunday’s US Open final but forecasts of rain and thunderstorms threaten to make for a trying afternoon.
Top seed and world number one Djokovic, the 2011 champion and playing in his sixth New York final, is looking for a 10th major to pull level with American Bill Tilden.
Victory would also be his third Grand Slam triumph of 2015 after the Australian Open and Wimbledon, with only a final defeat to Stan Wawrinka at the French Open preventing him from contemplating a rare calendar Grand Slam on Sunday.
Djokovic, 28, trails Federer 2120 in head-to-head meetings but leads 7-6 at the Slams, including the last two Wimbledon finals as well as their last two clashes in New York.
“I came here with a wish and a mission to reach the finals and fight for the trophy. So I got myself in that position,” said Djokovic.
“It’s already a great result. But I want to get that final step on Sunday and get my hands on that trophy.
“I’m used to all the expectations and pressure. It’s part of what I do.”
Federer, chasing a record sixth US Open title and 18th Grand Slam title, has been without a major since Wimbledon in 2012.
But he has been in inspired form at the US Open, dropping serve just twice in 82 service games and not having lost a set since the Wimbledon final.
“Against Novak, I think it’s just a straight shoot-out, and I think that’s the cool thing about our rivalry. It’s very athletic,” said Federer playing in his 27th Grand Slam final.
Despite the anticipation, the weather looks set to have a major impact, one year out from the 23,000-capacity Arthur Ashe Stadium having its retractable roof up and running.
The New York weather forecast calls for a 50% chance of rain at the scheduled 4 p.m. start time with scattered thunderstorms.