Djokovic Rebounds on Day 2 of Semi

Despite dropping his first set of the tournament, Novak Djokovic put in a dominant performance over David Ferrer to reach his fourth U.S. Open final.

By Erik Gudris

Novak Djokovic playing against David Ferrer on the first day of their two-day semifinal at the 2012 US Open

(September 9, 2012) -- After yesterday's weather forced the suspension of the second men's semifinal, the only breeze that David Ferrer felt today was the one created by Novak Djokovic as he blew past the Spaniard to reach his fourth U.S. Open final.

Under clear blue skies, both men stepped onto Arthur Ashe Stadium to resume their match that ended last night with Ferrer holding a 5-2 lead in the first set, mainly due to a frustrated Djokovic who was unable to deal with the extreme wind that was a factor on Saturday.

Ferrer served out the set 6-2, but as expected Djokovic was a different player today as he broke Ferrer at love to start the second set. Djokovic dominated most of the rallies as he earned a second break of serve for 4-0, and though it took him four set points, Djokovic closed out the second set with a big serve 6-1.

For Djokovic, the goal then became all about time management as he had to navigate having to hit ball after ball against the tenacious Ferrer while trying to save some energy for Monday's final.

Though both men engaged in many lengthy rallies that seemed to suit Ferrer, it was Djokovic's ability to open up the court with his forehand that proved the key. Djokovic earned a early break of serve in the third set, but thanks to five errors from the Serbian, Ferrer was able to break back for 2-all. Ferrer's momentum was short lived as Djokovic earned another break of serve to go up 4-3 and from there Djokovic went on to serve out the set with an ace.

The fourth set proved to be a formality as Djokovic, thanks again to his forehand, opened up a 3-0 lead. Ferrer fought until the end but couldn't stop Djokovic from closing out the match to love with a volley winner to clinch a 2-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 victory in just over two hours on court.

Ferrer only managed to win 18 of the 26 games played today, an indication of Djokovic's near dominance.

When asked if he wished the wind had stuck around for a second day, Ferrer said, " Yes, but I don't know. Every day is different. Today Djokovic, he plays better than me, no? Yesterday with the windy I start really good, but finally he won."

Still, it was great tournament for Ferrer who reached his second Major semi of the year and that was something the Spaniard could be proud of.

"Yes, of course I am very positive, no? I did semifinal in Grand Slam. My second time semifinal here at U.S. Open. This was the best of my career. Of course I am very positive, no? I am very happy with me and with my performance."

Djokovic later admitted he was glad to get off the court yesterday after his dismal start to the match.

"Yeah, it's a great relief obviously to get it over with in four sets. As well I was a different player. I felt much more comfortable on the court today than I did yesterday. Obviously the conditions were more brutal for all of us who played yesterday. I can imagine only for the two guys before us. I mean, they had to play, you know, four sets on that wind. You know, Ferrer was I think coping with the conditions much better than I did. He was handling it great. I mean, I haven't find any rhythm, so I didn't mind getting off the court yesterday, to be honest, and coming in today. "

Djokovic now will face Andy Murray in Monday's final that will mark their fifth meeting overall this year with each man having won two matches apiece. It will mark the second time they will play in a Grand Slam final with Djokovic having won the Australian Open title over Murray in 2011. Djokovic said he can see the difference in Murray's game now that the Scot is working with Ivan Lendl and he expects a tough match.

"Mentally I think he is more aggressive into the court right now," Djokovic said. "Probably that's the only thing that he was missing, you know, in his game. Because he's one of the most complete players in the world right now. In the last couple of years he was at the top of the men's game. This is his fifth Grand Slam final. We all knew that he's definitely a contender to win a Grand Slam title, you know, any year in last five years. But, you know, it just wasn't to be in the last four for him. Tomorrow I guess he's going to be very motivated to win the title. But me too. "

(Photo Credit: Andy Kentla)