PREVIEW: Nadal takes fitness edge into US Open final with Djokovic

Sep 12, 2010, 3:28 GMT

New York - Novak Djokovic may struggle with fitness after playing for nearly four hours in a five-set upset of Roger Federer to reach a second final at the US Open.

The Sunday showdown will pit the third-ranked Serb, 2007 losing finalist to Federer, against Nadal, going for the only one of the four Grand Slams which he has yet to win.

Nadal spent minimal time and effort in overwhelming Russian Mikhail Youzhny 6-2, 6-3. Djokovic saved two match points in his struggle to get past second seed Federer 5-7, 6-1, 5-7, 6-2, 7-5, denying the five-time champion a seventh straight finals appearance in New York.

'On hardcourt, I have my best chances against Rafa,' said Djokovic. 'But he's number one of the world and the one playing great tennis. Rankings-wise or any other way looking at it, he is the favorite.

'I can't put myself in that spot even though I have won many matches against him on hardcourts. That may give me some mental advantage: too be able to play as well as I did against him when we played (previously) on hardcourts.'

The Spaniard leads the series 14-7, winning five in a row before Djokovic claimed their last three last season in Cincinnati, Paris Bercy and London.

'It's just incredible what he has done so far in his career,' said the 23-year-old Serb. 'He's still a great champion and a great person off the court.

'It's a big challenge for both of us, there is a lot at stake for him to win a career slam and for me to win another Grand Slam title,' said the former Australian Open holder.

'In finals, it's very unpredictable. You never know what's gonna happen.'

Nadal had his feet up resting while Djokovic and Federer battled in their energy-sapping struggle

He is the first Spanish finalist at the event since Juan Carlos Ferrero, who lost to Andy Roddick in 2003.

Nadal won his 20th match in a row at a Grand Slam after taking titles at Roland Garros (his fifth) and Wimbledon (his second) this season.

'Having three-set match in two hours, or a little bit more, I'm gonna be in perfect condition tomorrow. That's very positive. We will see what will happen.'

Nadal called Djokovic 'a very difficult opponent for me.'

'He can make winners from every part of the court. When he's serving well, that helps him a lot. I've had a lot of losses against him on this surface. I have victories, too, but I have losses.

'He's a great player who deserves to be in that final.'