It's Federer vs Del Potro

When the US Open started 2 weeks back, everyone was talking about a Federer- Nadal showdown in the final. But here we are after the semi-finals yesterday and the final is not something everyone was expecting. Roger Federer will play Juan Martin Del Potro in the 2009 US Open Men’s singles final.

The first semifnal of the day saw third seed Rafael Nadal take on sixth seed Del Potro. Nadal, only in his third tournament since returning from injury and Del Potro aiming to reach his first grand slam final. After 2 hours and 20 minutes, it was the Argentinian who cruised to a 6-2 6-2 6-2 win. Del Potro broke Nadal’s serve early in the first set to take a 3-1 lead. Although Nadal did earn 3 break points, Del Potro replied with some huge forehands and went on to take the first set 6-2.

Nadal had a chance to break Del Potro early in the second set, but could not capitalize on it. It was all Del Potro after that. He broke Nadal in the fourth game unleashing some powerful shots, and then using a powerful combination of forehand and backhand took the second set 6-2. Nadal now had a mountain to climb, just winning 4 games in 2 sets. Del Potro was looking unbeatable, as he took a 3-0 lead in the third set. Nadal, famous for his fighting spirit, could just watch as winners from Del Potro were sailing out of his reach. 5-2 down in the third, Nadal served to stay in the match. Del Potro was too strong in the end, using his forehand to good effect, sealing the match 6-2 6-2 6-2 to enter his first grand slam final.

Roger Federer, the top seed, was up against Novak Djokovic in the second semi-final. A 7-6 (7-3) 7-5 7-5 victory was enough for Federer to reach his sixth straight US Open final. It was a great match with both players offering some absorbing tennis over the 3 sets. Although Djokovic broke Federer’s serve in the sixth game, Federer broke back with ease. The set went into a tie break. Federer took charge, taking a 5-2 lead and eventually winning the tie break 7-3.

The second set was as close as the first one and looked to be heading for a tie break. Serving to stay in the match at 6-5, Djokovic came up against a dazzling rally of volleys, eventually losing the set 7-5. 6-5 down in the third set, Djokovic fell behind 0-30. Federer then unleashed a shot he referred to later as “the greatest shot I have ever hit.” It was match point for Federer, and a thumping winner from a forehand return was all that was needed to reach his sixth straight US Open final. A showdown with Juan Martin Del Potro.