NEW YORK - On Sunday, after the storms subsided, life at the U.S. Open returned to normal. This was good news for Novak Djokovic, the defending champion, and bad news for David Ferrer, his opponent in the semifinals.
When their match was postponed Saturday, Ferrer led 5-2 in the first set. When it resumed Sunday, Djokovic took over early and battered Ferrer throughout. The final score was as lopsided as it indicated: 2-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-2.
"I didn't mind getting off the court," Djokovic said. Djokovic played aggressive baseline tennis, which overwhelmed Ferrer's defensive approach.
Djokovic will face Andy Murray in the final, which is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. Monday. It will mark the fifth straight men's singles final on a Monday. Murray will be trying for his first Grand Slam victory in four tries. Djokovic will be hoping for a repeat.
Either player, in victory, would have a strong claim to player of the year honors, as would Roger Federer. He won Wimbledon and an Olympic silver medal in singles. Djokovic won the Australian Open and finished second at the French Open. Murray was the runner-up at Wimbledon and won Olympic gold in men's singles.
There will be a lot riding on the final then, same as always.
NEW YORK TIMES
