Roger Federer downs Stan Wawrinka, set for final clash with Novak Djokovic
NEW YORK – For the first time since 2009, Roger Federer is back into the U.S. Open final.
Once the king of New York – champion here each year from 2004 to 2008 – the No. 2 seed dismantled compatriot Stan Wawrinka in the semifinals to earn a spot in Sunday's final against a familiar foe in world No. 1 Novak Djokovic.
Here's what went down in Queens.
Scoreline: [2] Roger Federer (SUI) def. [5] Stan Wawrinka (SUI) 6-4, 6-3, 6-1
Federer spent just over 90 minutes on court following a convincing win for Djokjovic, who destroyed defending champion Marin Cilic by losing just three games, the most lopsided win in a men's major semifinal in the Open Era.
What it means: It means world No. 1 vs. world No. 2, Djokovic and Federer meeting for a 42nd time in their career, Federer holding a slight 21-20 edge having beaten the Serbian just a few weeks ago in Cincinnati in a straight-set final. Federer hasn't won a major since 2012, however, while Djokovic is chasing a third in four major final appearances this year.
How it happened: In a blur of Federer brilliance, really. The world No. 2 hit 29 winners (including 10 aces) and clocked in at just 92 minutes total for a night's work. Federer, 34, saved three break points at love-40 down serving 3-2 up in the first, including a serve-and-volley tactic on second serve to pull ahead 4-2 in the first set. In many ways, it was the last and only chance for Wawrinka to make this match competitive, as Federer won the first set 6-4.
Federer broke in the seventh game of the second set, then held at love and broke again serving out the set and winning 16 of the last 17 points of it to take a commanding two-sets-to-love lead.
The third set felt almost exhibition-like, Federer breaking in game four when Wawrinka sent a forehand long. Two games later, Federer would display his defensive brilliance, as well, winning a 21-shot rally thanks to a series of backhand slices deep that eventually forced Wawrinka into a forehand error. On his second match point, Federer delivered – no surprise – an ace to seal the win.
Key stat: The all-out aggression is what has moved Federer through this tournament in six straight-setters, once again the case on Friday night. He won 80% of points on his first serve and went 22 of 28 at the net (79%) in a display of no-holds-barred tennis. Federer would fight off all four of the break points he faced and win the total point count, too, 93-62, the equivalent of a NBA throttling.
What he said: "I'm very happy," Federer said on court after the win. "It's been a great tournament so far. I've tried very hard in the last six years to get to another final."
"It's definitely very good," Federer said of his current form. "Maybe my best. I'm serving very well and I'm playing positive tennis. I would love for it to work just one more time this year."
And on taking on Djokovic: "He's had a tremendous year. There is a lot on the line when we play each other. He's the best mover on the hard courts. He's been so consistent. He's tough to beat. He's tough mentally. I love that challenge and I'll be ready for that."
Can he do it? Federer has been stuck at 17 Grand Slams since winning Wimbledon in 2012, so once again he chases No. 18 against a foe that he knows well. Their last two Grand Slam finals – Wimbledon in 2014 and again this year – have been dramatic, Djokovic winning in five sets, then four respectively.
Less than 40 minutes after she walked off the court she got into a courtesy car – alone – and headed back to Manhattan.
"I don't think today was the pressure of the match," Shiras said. "I think it was the fact that since Wimbledon there has been the question of this Grand Slam. It's all we've been talking about."
PHOTOS: U.S. Open semifinals action