By Chris Soderstrom
Grand Slam final debutant Andy Murray will look to become the first Briton to win a major in 40 years when he spearheads four-time defending champion Roger Federer in the US Open title match.
The sixth-seeded Scot upset Spanish World No. 1 Rafael Nadal earning a hard fought 6-2, 7-6(5), 4-6, 6-4 victory.
Despite losing the third set after a rain delay, Murray’s aggressive play earned him the fourth set and the match.
Of his impending match-up against the Swiss champion, the 21-year-old said: “He’s probably the greatest player ever.”
“To get the chance to play against him in a Slam final is an honour. I’ve played well against him in the past. Hopefully I can do the same again,” he added, holding 2-1 career head-to-head record against Federer.
Federer, a 12 time Grand Slam champion, dismissed Novak Djokovic 6-3, 5-7, 7-5, 6-2 in what was his 33 rd successive win at Flushing Meadows.
“Winning here at the Open would mean a hell of a lot to me,” said Federer, who has struggled to fulfill his lofty standards with just two titles for 2008.
“At the moment the focus is to defend my title and get my fifth. The Pete thing is very much alive and everything is possible, but I would like to focus on the five in a row right now.”