New York: Rafael Nadal continued his quest for a second US Open title with another straight-sets victory, in Saturday's semi-finals. The 2010 champion survived a stern test from No. 8 seed Richard Gasquet, 6-4, 7-6(1), 6-2 in two hours and 21 minutes.
Nadal advances to an 18th Grand Slam final, which ties him with Pete Sampras for third-most in history, behind only Roger Federer and Ivan Lendl.
Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic will remain at No. 1 in the Emirates ATP Rankings next week after reaching the US Open final for the fourth straight year and fifth time overall.
The top-seeded Serbian defeated first-time major semi-finalist and ninth seed Stanislas Wawrinka 2-6, 7-6(4), 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Saturday for his 50th match win of the season. Djokovic won against the Swiss No. 2 after a four-hour and nine-minute victory.
He will now attempt to capture his seventh Grand Slam championship crown (6-5 overall) on Monday, when he will challenge second seed and 2010 titlist Rafael Nadal, his rival for year-end No. 1, for the title. Nadal leads fellow Barclays ATP World Tour Finals qualifier Djokovic 21-15.
Courtesy: www.atpworldtour.com