Special relationship: Nadal v Djokovic in US Open final
The top two in men’s tennis trade praise ahead of the US Open final – their record 37th meeting and a “special” match.
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have love bombed each other ahead of the US Open final, billed as a blockbuster clash by America’s TV networks.
“I want to play against a player that I have more chances to win. But I play against him. I played against him a lot of times. Always we played very exciting matches.
“When you are involved in these kind of matches, you feel special,” Nadal told reporters in New York.
Djokovic responded: “With no doubt he [Nadal] is the best player of the moment this year.”
On paper that cannot be disputed. Wimbledon’s shock defeat aside, Nadal’s 2013 has been one of the most impressive seasons in tennis history despite him only returning to the circuit in February after seven months out with knee problems.
He’s the ultimate competitor. Novak Djokovic on Rafael Nadal
The Spaniard has dominated more than he did even in 2010, when he won three grand slam titles. He has lost only three matches this year and one of those was in the final of his first tournament back.
The 27-year-old has won all 21 matches on hard courts since his return; lifted nine trophies, including three Masters titles; has overleaped Andy Murray in the world rankings to claim the number two spot – and threatens to disrobe Djokovic of the coveted number one position.
“He’s the ultimate competitor,” added the Serb about his rival.
“He’s fighting for every ball and he’s playing probably the best tennis that he ever played on hard courts.
“He has got many injuries on this surface, but now he looks fit. He had seven months off. He lost three matches this year.
“So the way he’s been playing, he’s very confident, but I know how to play him. Hard court is my most successful surface. I have already played him here twice in finals. I know what I need to do.”
Rafa’s knees
Nadal will play the final in pain according to his uncle and coach.
“The knee is what it is and I think Rafa has grown used to playing in pain,” Toni Nadal told Spanish radio station Cadena Ser.
“We couldn’t have imagined six months ago when we started again… that we would be where we are now today.
“Things have gone much better than expected and all we can do is be happy and thank God or Mother Nature or whoever for all that has happened.”
Nadal and Djokovic are playing for a 37th time – a record in tennis’s open era.
Just Williams
Serena Williams is already thinking about future glories after winning her 17th grand slam singles title in the women’s draw at the US Open.
The world number one beat Victoria Azarenka 7-5 6-7 (6/8) 6-1 and, aged 32, shows no sign of losing her hunger to play.
She said: “I feel great. I have never felt better. I feel really fit. I can play a tournament like this, singles, doubles, with tough, tough schedules.
“I haven’t felt like this in a number of years. I’m excited about the possibilities. I don’t know what can happen. I’ll just keep playing and do the best that I can.”
Williams is no doubt conscious that she is still five singles titles behind Steffi Graf’s Open era record and seven adrift of Margaret Court’s all-time mark.
She said: “It means a lot to me, this trophy, and every single trophy that I have.
“It makes me feel that I’m still fighting just to be a part of this fabulous sport.”
The men’s final starts at 10pm, UK time.