Djokovic: Facing Nadal the biggest challenge in tennis

Novak Djokovic may have number one by his name but he knows he will face the best player in the world in today’s US Open final.

This will be a fourth consecutive US Open final for Djokovic, three of which have been against Nadal while he was beaten by Andy Murray 12 months ago.

They have managed one title apiece in New York, Nadal winning in 2010 to complete his career grand slam and Djokovic a year later.

Describing facing Nadal, Djokovic said: “It’s always the biggest challenge that you can have in our sport now. He’s the ultimate competitor.

“He’s fighting for every ball and he’s playing probably the best tennis that he ever played on hard courts.

“He has got many injuries on this surface, but now he looks fit. He had seven months off. He lost three matches this year. With no doubt he’s the best player of the moment this year.

“So the way he’s been playing, he’s very confident, but I know how to play him. Hard court is my most successful surface. I have already played him here twice in finals. I know what I need to do.”

Nadal has looked marginally the more impressive here and certainly had an easier time of it in his semi-final.

While Djokovic struggled past Stanislas Wawrinka in five sets, Nadal saw off Richard Gasquet in three, although he did have his serve broken for the first time this tournament.

By getting to the final, Djokovic has guaranteed he will stay top of the rankings whatever happens, but Nadal is almost certain to usurp him sooner rather than later.

The Spaniard has no points to defend until after the Australian Open, while Djokovic had a very successful end to last year and won a fourth title in Melbourne.