Djokovic upset Federer in Semifinal

NEW YORK (AP)—So much for Rafa vs. Roger in the U.S. Open final. Novak Djokovic prevented what would have been the eighth Grand Slam championship match between tennis’ top two men—and first such showdown at Flushing Meadows—by saving two match points and coming back to stun Roger Federer 5-7, 6-1, 5-7, 6-2, 7-5 in Saturday’s semifinals. “One of those matches,” Djokovic said, “you’ll always remember.”
 
It means that the third-seeded Djokovic will be standing between No. 1 Rafael Nadal and a career Grand Slam in the final Sunday. Nadal owns eight major titles but never had been past the semifinals at the U.S. Open before beating No. 12 Mikhail Youzhny 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 earlier Saturday. Federer had reached six consecutive finals at the U.S. Open, winning five trophies from 2004-08, but he repeatedly let leads slip away this time.
 
Federer took the first set against Djokovic, then the third. And even after Djokovic forced a fifth set, Federer twice was a single point from winning.

Semifinal everyone ?

All four player are playing today in the semifinal match of the US Open grand Slam in New York. Everyone expect someone to win, but majority expect Nadal - Federer in the final, is it possible, well.... the chances are there, both are very determine to win, nadal really wants to win the US Open, while Federer insisting another Grand Slam singles title. What about Djokovic and Youzhny ? can they do the impossible ?, actually nothing is impossible as long they have the will. Today Nadal will meet Youzhny, while Federer will meet Djokovic in the semi final. All four have the determination to win the US Open Grand Slam. Nadal even though has never set foot inside the final of US Open, has prove himself worthy by eliminating all opponent along the way, including his spaniard compatriot Fernando Verdasco in the quater final. I think Nadal is starting to play smart tennis and minimise is aggresive playing in the hard court that could lead to his injury again. Federer on the other hand just woud'nt let go to add another Grand Slam singles title, even though some people expect him to rest or even retired early, since he broke Pete Sampras 14 Grand Slam Singles title. Currently Federer still holds 16 Grand Slam singles title. Well ... do you think he will play to win or play just for the fun of it ?. Remember now, federer is a very determint and emotional person ( Australian Open 2008 ), i think he won't drop his guard down that easily since he is the 5 time winner in the US Open. So what ever the result is, as the old saying - may the best man win :) Article by Marvin from Tennisbone 11/9/2010

Getting closer to Federer - Nadal final at US Open

NEW YORK (AP)—Looking back at recent U.S. Opens, Rafael Nadal sees simple explanations for why it’s the only Grand Slam tournament he has yet to win. In 2008, Nadal says now,
 
“I was ready to do something very important here … but mentally, I was destroyed” by the time the semifinals rolled around. He lost in that round. In 2009, he reminds everyone, it was an accomplishment simply to reach the semifinals at Flushing Meadows, given that he was playing with an inch-long tear in his abdominal muscle. He lost in that round again. And 2010? This year, Nadal says, is different.
 
He is sound of body and mind as he approaches Saturday’s semifinals at the U.S. Open, the only major tournament where he never has reached the final, as well as the only one where he never has played Roger Federer—in any round.

Nadal beats Verdasco to reach US Open semifinals

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after defeating against Fernando Verdasco of Spain (7-5, 6-3, 6-4) during his men's single quarterfinal match on day eleven of the 2010 U.S. Open in New York City. (Photo by Nick Laham & Stan Honda/AFP/Getty Images)

After one early miss, Rafael Nadal slapped himself in the right thigh. After another, he put his hands on his hips and stared at the spot where his shot went awry. It did not take long for Nadal to put a slightly slow start behind him and move one step closer to the only Grand Slam title he hasn’t won.

The top-seeded Nadal figured out how to handle the wind that’s plagued the tournament, got his serve in gear after being broken for the only time in five matches, and beat No. 8 Fernando Verdasco 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 Thursday night in the first all-Spanish quarterfinal in U.S. Open history.

Federer downs Soderling brilliantly

NEW YORK, Sept 8 (Reuters) - Roger Federer won a measure of revenge and a return to the U.S. Open semi-finals as he beat fifth-seeded Swede Robin Soderling 6-4 6-4 7-5 on Wednesday to book his place in the last four for a seventh successive time.
 
Federer, showing the all-round brilliance that has won him a record 16 grand slam titles, refused to let gusty winds at Arthur Ashe Stadium to slow down his charge as he routed Soderling, who had eliminated him in the quarter-finals at this year’s French Open.
 
The 29-year-old Swiss, whose string of five consecutive U.S. Open titles was snapped in last year’s final, commanded his serve with power and precision through the adverse conditions to quash Soderling in just under two hours.