It's Novak v Andy final
Andy Murray of Great Britain thanks the heavens after winning his US Open semifinal against Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic at Flushing Meadows in New York on Saturday. Photo: AFP
Defending champion Novak Djokovic swept into his third consecutive US Open final, setting up a title showdown with Britain's Andy Murray, with a 2-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 win over Spain's David Ferrer on Sunday.
Ferrer had led 5-2 in the first set overnight when the semifinal was suspended due to violent storms which battered New York, but Djokovic thrived under clear blue skies on Sunday, allowing the Spaniard just eight more games.
The victory gave the second-seeded Serb a year-leading 60th win and extended his winning run at hardcourt Grand Slams to 27 matches.
Djokovic will be aiming for a sixth major in Monday's final while third-seed Murray, who trails the Serb 8-6 in career meetings, is bidding to become Britain's first men's Grand Slam champion since Fred Perry in 1936.
Olympic champion Andy Murray withstood blustery conditions Saturday to beat Tomas Berdych and reach the US Open final.
Third seed Murray advanced by defeating the Czech sixth seed 5-7, 6-2, 6-1, 7-6 (9/7).
"It was brutal," Murray said, after a tornado warning had been issued earlier in the day.
"Some of the hardest conditions I have ever played in, and I come from Scotland so that's saying something."
However, the weather was perfect for the Serb and he won the next three sets easily after losing the first. And the victory by the Serb in the championship match would mean 30 out of the last 31 majors have been won by either Djokovic, Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal.
"We were all praying for less wind today. He handled it better than I did yesterday but I came into today a different player," said Djokovic.
"Against Andy, there will be no clear favourite. He's going for a first Grand Slam and will be very motivated. Hopefully we will both come up with our best tennis."
Ferrer quickly wrapped up the opening set on Sunday's resumption before Djokovic, who hadn't dropped a set in the tournament, made the fourth seed pay, racing into a 5-0 lead in the second, even saving three break points in the fifth game in the process.
Ferrer, playing in his second US Open semi-final and bidding to make the final at a major at the 40th attempt, saved three set points in the seventh game before the champion levelled the semi-final.
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