NEW YORK — The blockbuster U.S. Open final between No. 1 Novak Djokovic and No. 2 Roger Federer on Sunday is tantalizing for so many reasons.
They have built a long and riveting rivalry, this dynamic duo with a combined 26 major trophies — a record 17 for Federer, nine for Djokovic.
This matchup will be their 14th in a Grand Slam tournament, more than any other pair of men in tennis’ Open era, which dates to 1968.
It will be the fourth Federer vs. Djokovic meeting in a Grand Slam final, with Federer winning at the 2007 U.S. Open, and Djokovic winning at Wimbledon each of the past two years.
And it’s their 42nd head-to-head match overall, with Federer barely ahead 21-20.
“It’s just a straight shootout,” Federer said, “and I think that’s the cool thing about our rivalry. It’s very athletic.”
He explained that he doesn’t feel as if either player needs to adjust style or tactics too much for their matches, and that in many ways, they know how to deal with the other’s strengths and styles.
“We can both handle … whatever we present to one another,” Federer said. “It’s very even.”