Novak Djokovic sets up US Open final against Juan Martin del Potro
Djokovic, the winner in 2011 and 2015, now has opportunity to win his third title in New York and 14th Grand Slam crown against the 'Tower of Tandil'
Saturday 8 September 2018 12:55, UK
Novak Djokovic made it 14 straight victories over Kei Nishikori as he surged into the final of the US Open, where he will face Juan Martin del Potro.
Djokovic gained revenge for his 2014 semi-final defeat to extend his winning record to 15-2 against Nishikori with a comprehensive 6-3 6-4 6-2 victory.
The 31-year-old, who was making his 11th successive appearance in the last four, has now won 25 of his last 27 matches, an impressive run that includes titles at Wimbledon and the Cincinnati Masters.
Djokovic, rejuvenated by a fourth title at the All England Club after a spell of struggles with form and confidence since wrapping up the career Grand Slam in Paris in 2016, was looking untouchable in cooler conditions under the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Nishikori, who had failed to reach another major final after his fine run in New York four years ago, came through a gruelling five-set encounter against Marin Cilic to reach the last four, and was run ragged by the Serb in the opening set.
The 21st seed had suffered from a wrist injury late last year which further hampered his progress, although he has found some of his old his form again over the past fortnight. He was forced to come through a marathon opening game of the second set just to hold serve but was broken in the fifth as the pressure began to mount.
A relentless Djokovic was hitting the heights while bringing the best out of Nishikori as both players demonstrated some extraordinary shot-making. However, it was the Serb who edged closer to reaching his eighth final at Flushing Meadows after closing out the second set on serve.
Djokovic's level stayed consistent in the third set as he broke through twice more to take a stranglehold on the contest and it wasn't long before he crossed the finishing line on his second match point after two hours and 22 minutes.
He will take a 14-4 winning record against Del Potro into Sunday's final having won six out of their last seven meetings.
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