NEW YORK—Novak Djokovic, who will play Roger Federer in the U.S. Open final, says that even though there is a tremendous amount of pressure on him, he is used to it by now. The world No. 1 owns nine Grand Slam singles titles and has won two majors this season—at the Australian Open over Andy Murray, and at Wimbledon, over Federer. Djokovic also reached the final at Roland Garros, falling against Stan Wawrinka.
“Expectations are always there from myself and from the people around me,” Djokovic said. “I think that's normal and logical to expect [the] pressure. You have those expectations because you set up yourself high standards with all the results last couple of years.
“I came here with a wish and a mission, as well, to reach the finals and fight for the trophy. So I got myself in that position. It's already a great result. But I want to get that final step on Sunday and get my hands on that trophy."
Djokovic has only won the U.S. Open once, in 2011, when he beat Rafael Nadal for the title. The 28-year-old has advanced 16 of the last 21 major finals.
"I'm used to all the expectations and pressure. It's part of what I do," he said. "I try to deal with those emotions on and off the court, and with this experience of being out there and competing at the highest level for the biggest trophies has helped me to reach that level again.”
Head to head, Federer leads Djokovic 21-20, having beaten him in the final of Cincinnati last month. The two have played each other five times at the U.S. Open, with Federer winning the 2007 final and semifinals in 2008 and 2009. In 2010 and 2011, Djokovic beat Federer in the semifinals, saving two match points in each contest.
Djokovic says that he is already pleased that he has reached all four major finals this season, but the most important thing is to win.
“Obviously I'm only thinking about winning and winning that U.S. Open trophy,” Djokovic said. “It's why I'm here, and I will try to make it.”