Novak Djokovic sets up Western and Southern Open final against Milos Raonic

World No1 battled past Roberto Bautista Agut in the final four in New York

World No1 Novak Djokovic will meet Milos Raonic in the final of the Western & Southern Open in New York today.

The Serb struggled early with an apparent neck complaint against eighth seed Roberto Bautista Agut before finishing 4-6 6-4 7-6 (0) over the Spaniard in three hours and one minute, the longest match of the tournament.

Djokovic, unbeaten so far in 2020, described the match to reporters afterwards as “very strange”, adding: “I don’t know how I won it, to be honest. He was the better player.”

The 33-year-old called on his mental toughness and strong serve in the win at Flushing Meadows, serving just three times in the final-set tie-break but with each an ace.

Djokovic, who is also aiming to win his fourth US Open, is one victory away from tying Rafael Nadal for the most Masters 1000 titles with 35.

But to do it he will have to beat former world No3 Raonic after the Canadian upset fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas 7-6 (5) 6-3.

Raonic, who conquered Andy Murray on the way to the semi-final, won 90 percent of first-serve points across one hour and 37 minutes on court.

The 29-year-old, who is ranked 30th, will attempt to become the first unseeded player to lift the trophy in the Open era when he meets Djokovic in the final.

Both players will then face a quick turnaround, with the US Open beginning at Flushing Meadows on Sunday.

PA