US Open 2016: Djokovic, Wawrinka through to final

By Daily Sports on September 10, 2016

Defending champion Novak Djokovic will take on third seed Stan Wawrinka in the US Open final after both men won semi-finals in punishing conditions.

Djokovic beat 10th seed Gael Monfils 6-3 6-2 3-6 6-2 in New York, with the Frenchman adopting unusual tactics to try and counter the world number one.

Stifling humidity was still a factor as Wawrinka beat Japan's sixth seed Kei Nishikori 4-6 7-5 6-4 6-2.

"It's really humid, really hot. I knew it would be tough," said Wawrinka.

Djokovic, 29, had treatment on both shoulders during the first semi-final, while Monfils could barely move at times as conditions took their toll.

"Humid," is how the Serb described it. "I think that's all we were thinking about and feeling."

Monfils robustly rejected the notion that he did not give his all, saying: "I think I tried my best."

Djokovic will attempt to win his third US Open and 13th Grand Slam title on Sunday, while Wawrinka - who beat Djokovic in last year's French Open final - is going for a third major victory and first at Flushing Meadows.

Djokovic had spent only six hours and 24 minutes on court in reaching the semi-finals, thanks in part to one walkover and two retirements, and he was within sight of another swift contest against Monfils.

He led by two sets and a break as Monfils spent much of the first hour hitting the ball at half-pace, barely moving during, as well as between, points and at one stage limping theatrically.

However, he raced forward to collect a drop shot and break back in the third set, sparking a run of five straight games.

Djokovic's fortunes took a nosedive, first as he called for treatment to his left shoulder and then as three break-back points slipped by, and with them the set, prompting him to rip his shirt in frustration.

Monfils, 30, was back in the match but he was hardly fizzing with energy, calling for the trainer early in the fourth set, bending double at every opportunity and even drinking a Coca-Cola at one changeover.

Djokovic handed another break of serve straight back with a double fault, but after a second medical timeout - this time for his right shoulder - the two-time champion clinched victory with a winner on match point that flew past an almost stationary Monfils.

"The conditions were different from most of the days during the tournament but it was the same for both players," said Djokovic.

"We expected it - we heard it would be warm and humid."

Monfils said: "At the beginning I think Novak has been good, I didn't serve great, it was very quick 5-0 and I got to change a little bit. That's a little bit tough because for sure people aren't ready to see that.

"But why would I stay 6-0 and not change anything? Definitely, I tried to get in his head and create something new for him to see." (bbc.co.uk)

•Photo show Novak Djokovic

Source Daily Sports

Posted September 10, 2016


 

You may also like...
AFCON 2023: Super Eagles coach Peseiro suggests how...

Kell Brook suffers another eye injury

Man City Win Title After Man Utd Defeat...

Pique Suffers Knee Injury, Doubtful For PSG Clash...

Tyson Fury Overcomes Scare to Maintain Unbeaten Record...

Naija Super 8: 41 clubs know fate today...

 

Latest News Amusan knocks Nigeria’s World Championships kits Joshua vs Fury biggest fight in boxing — Hearn Benue govt owes me N400m – Ex-Lobi boss Iorfa Aruna knocked out of WTT Champions Macao Meet Nigeria’s medal hopefuls at the 2025 World Athletics Championships Osimhen to return for Gala UCL opener Paris 2024 lessons fuel my world championship dream – Amaechi Nathaniel tipped for Tokyo 2025 podium Usman plots octagon return against UFC 322 winner Handball: HFN unveils squad for U-18 African tourney NSC backs Team Nigeria’s medal quest in Tokyo World Champs: Chukwuma gets tough field in 100m heats

 

Most Read Rangers International going, going . . . (58,557 views) Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (49,752 views) Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (47,729 views) Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (47,321 views) Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (47,319 views) Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (47,302 views) Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (47,120 views) NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (46,665 views) Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (45,784 views) Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (44,372 views) Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (42,821 views) John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (42,240 views)

 

Phone numbers

Tel: +234(0)8066020976
+234(0)8055068145
+234(0)7013416146
+234(0)8094272884

Email addresses

info@dailysportsng.com
support@dailysportsng.com
publisher@dailysportsng.com

Office address

No 3, Adetoun Close, Off College Road, Ogba, Ikeja Lagos.
Website: www.dailysportsng.com

Social Media