Djokovic books US final spot

Novak Djokovic remained on course for a third Grand Slam title of the year by beating Gael Monfils in four sets to reach the US Open final.

The world No 1 had enjoyed an easy passage to the last four with three of his first five opponents withdrawing. But Monfils was expected to provide the Serb’s first test and, with the 10th seed rallying after a dominant Djokovic start, that is exactly what defending US Open champion got before sealing a 6-3 6-2 3-6 6-2 victory

Monfils, who had lost all 12 previous meetings between the pair, was playing in his first ever US Open semi-final following a blistering run that had seen him win all 15 sets that he had played, but within 23 minutes he was 5-0 down against Djokovic.

A brief wobble from the Serb gave Monfils hope but when Djokovic wrapped up the opener there only looked like being one winner but Monfils somehow conjured up the third set from 2-0 down by winning six of seven games – Djokovic’s first dropped set since the opening round.

With sapping conditions taking their toll on both men, it became a gruelling battle in the fourth set but Djokovic’s experience eventually saw him through.

Despite three visits from the trainer for a shoulder problem, the 13-time Grand Slam champion eased through the next couple of games to book his place in a seventh Flushing Meadows final.

Kei Nishikori or Stan Wawrinka will slug it out in the second semi-final but whoever makes it through will face a Djokovic who looks fresh and is getting better as he bids to add the US crown to the Australian and French Slams he won earlier in …

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