Novak Djokovic the favourite as pretenders line-up to topple him in US Open semi-finals
Serbian heads into the semi-finals as the overwhelming favourite to go on and lift a third title in New York, but Nishikori, Wawrinka and Monfils are lined-up as potential road blocks
Novak Djokovic heads into the US Open semi-finals as the overwhelming favourite to go on and lift a third title in New York, but Kei Nishikori, Stan Wawrinka and Gael Monfils are lined-up as potential road blocks.
World number one Djokovic takes a 12-0 career lead over Monfils into their semi-final on Friday while Nishikori looks to build on his shock five-set win over Andy Murray against Wawrinka.
Swiss third seed Wawrinka, playing in his third semi-final in four years, ended Juan Martin del Potro’s magical run in four sets in the early hours of Thursday morning with a 7-6 (7-5), 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 win.
World number one Djokovic, chasing a third major of the season and 13th overall, remains wary of the dangers posed by 30-year-old Monfils who is in only his second semi-final at the slams.
“Gael’s one of the few players that I will definitely pay a ticket to watch,” said Djokovic.
“He seems more focused at this time of his career and I am definitely expecting a tough battle.”