Novak Djokovic has defeated Roger Federer to reach the U.S. Open final, coming from behind and saving two match points in the fifth set to win 5-7, 6-1, 5-7, 6-2, 7-5.
"It's really hard to describe the feeling that I have right now," Djokovic said on court following his win. "Ten minutes ago I was just a point from losing this match, and I managed to come back.
"It was just a big pleasure playing in this kind of match. It was one of those matches you will always remember in your career, and I'm thrilled to be in the final."
The win snapped Federer's streak of six straight U.S. Open finals, which included wins against Djokovic for the past three years. After going up an early break, the Serb had to come from a set down twice and saved two match points at 4-5 with two forehand winners.
"I was just closing my eyes and hitting forehands as hard as I could," he said. "If it goes in, it goes in. If it goes out, another loss to Federer in the U.S. Open."
Djokovic will next take on Nadal, the first time the two have met in a Grand Slam final. Nadal, who is trying to become the seventh player to win all four Grand Slams, has not lost a set all tournament and will play his third straight match against a player who has gone five sets in his previous round.
"I'll do my best to recover and give him best challenge," said Djokovic.