Juan Martin del Potro will go up against Novak Djokovic in the final of the US Open men’s singles at Flushing Meadows.
Argentine del Potro, the 2009 champion, progressed to Sunday’s showpiece after world No.1 Rafael Nadal retired from their semi-final clash. Third seed Del Potro was 7-6 (7-3) 6-2 ahead before defending champion Nadal retired because of a knee issue.
After securing his spot in the final, Del Potro told the BBC: “It is not the best way to win a match. I love to play against Rafa because he is the biggest fighter in the sport. I don’t like to see him suffering like today. I am sad for him. I think the key to the match was the first set.”
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Del Petro will compete in his first grand slam final for nine years when he faces Djokovic on Sunday. Serbian Djokovic, the 2011 and 2015 champion, reached the final after beating Kei Nishikori 6-3 6-4 6-2 in the final four.
Djokovic, a 13-time grand slam winner and current Wimbledon champion, said: “It means the world to me. I am trying to be the best that I can be.
“I am working hard every day and trying to reach certain heights that I visualise every time I accomplish something big. I don’t see any limits. I keep on going and hopefully you are enjoying my tennis.”
US Open men’s singles final guide
What time does the men’s final start?
The men’s singles final in New York between Del Petro and Djokovic starts at 9pm (UK time) on Sunday night and the match will be played on the main court at Flushing Meadows, Arthur Ashe Stadium.
How to watch the final
Amazon Prime Video will show live coverage of the US Open grand slam. Tennis fans can watch the men’s final for free if they subscribe to a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime.
Predictions: who will win the men’s final?
Lukas Weese, Last Word on Tennis: “Both players have not played long matches on the court this tournament so will be fresh in preparation for this final. While Djokovic is playing at a high level, I think the crowd will be behind Del Potro, particularly his boisterous box of Argentine fans. He has the blazing groundstrokes that can catch Djokovic off balance and a serve that when on, is one of the best on Tour. It will be close, it will feature tremendous shotmaking. Just like in 2009, I like Del Potro to pull this off. He has 17 wins over Top 10 players and I see him adding his 18th by beating Djokovic. Prediction: Del Potro in five sets.”
Steen Kirby, Last Word on Tennis: “For as well as Del Potro has played, Djokovic hasn’t dropped a set in his last four matches and given his record in Slams and slam finals, Djokovic has to be the favourite to capture a third US Open title. Prediction: Djokovic in four sets.”
Tennis365.com: “Djokovic appears to have every advantage in this one. He has the better physical conditioning, he has the return game to deal with Del Potro’s serve, and he has all the recent form. He also has the kind of temperament needed to deal with a crowd backing his opponent, which will certainly be the case. But don’t discount Del Potro for one moment. He’ll be fresh as a daisy after playing just two sets in five days, and if he gets into his stride he has all the weapons to carry him to victory over anyone. Head says Djokovic in four, but it’s a Grand Slam final and heart can easily be the deciding factor, and if so then Del Potro may just pull off a repeat of his 2009 underdog success.”
Del Potro vs. Djokovic betting odds
Latest prices according to Oddschecker (as of 8 September).
- Juan Martin del Potro to win: 2/1
- Novak Djokovic to win: 4/9
Set betting
- Novak Djokovic 3-0: 7/4
- Novak Djokovic 3-1: 11/4
- Novak Djokovic 3-2: 5/1
- Juan Martin del Potro 3-1: 6/1
- Juan Martin del Potro 3-0: 13/2
- Juan Martin del Potro 3-2: 13/2
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