Sunday 13 September 2015 19:13, UK
Novak Djokovic says the ease with which he beat defending champion Marin Cilic has boosted his confidence heading into his US Open final showdown with Roger Federer.
Djokovic reached his fourth consecutive Grand Slam final with a crushing 6-0 6-1 6-2 victory over Cilic. The No 1 seed showed no mercy to the defending champion, who was suffering with a foot injury.
"Well, obviously it felt great to be able to perform as well as I did today at this stage of a tournament, again, knowing that Marin carried that injury for the last couple of matches," said Djokovic.
"I didn't allow that fact to distract me too much. I just wanted to concentrate on what I needed to do on the court and come out with the right intensity, make him move, get as many, you know, returns back in play.
"All in all, it was from my side a very solid match, and I take that as a confidence booster for the final."
Sunday will be Djokovic's sixth US Open final, although he has only won the tournament once.
"Expectations are always there from myself and from the people around me," he said.
"I came here with a wish and a mission, as well, to reach the finals and fight for the trophy. So I got myself in that position. It's already a great result. But I want to get that final step on Sunday and get my hands on that trophy."
Roger Federer stands between Djokovic and the trophy. It will be the pair's 42nd meeting, with the Swiss leading the head-to-head 21-20.
"Obviously we all know how consistent he is and how good he is in the latter stages of a Grand Slam and any other big tournament. He's always going to perform on a high level," said Djokovic.
"He always makes you play your best. So in order to win a Grand Slam title I have to be on top of my game, as well. So knowing that, coming to the court, of course it's going to be incentive to try hard."
Watch the US Open men's singles final on Sky Sports 1 HD from 8.30pm on Sunday night. Not a Sky subscriber? Then watch through online streaming service NOW TV.
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