New York - Wet weather could play a defining role in a packed-out Saturday programme at the US Open as men square off in a pair of high-profile semi-finals inevitably led by Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Heavy rain from Tropical Storm Hanna in the Atlantic could bring poor conditions for the weekend, a threat that organizers are closely watching.
"The USTA has several contingency plans in place depending on the time and duration of the inclement weather," a statement from officials said. "Those plans will be implemented and communicated as the forecast develops."
Mother Nature could easily put paid to the all-star lineup as four-time champion Federer plays third seed Novak Djokovic and top seed Nadal takes on Andy Murray.
Federer beat Djokovic in the 2007 New York final before losing to the Serb in the Australian Open semis four months later.
But the Swiss was also suffering with the first stages of the mononucleosis infection which some belive has coloured the entire season, with Federer dropping to number two in the world behind the raging Nadal.
Federer then got his revenge in the Monte Carlo semi-finals as Djokovic went down claiming to be feeling poorly as he retired in the second round.
"Hopefully I can take it one more step than I did at the French Open and Wimbledon," said Federer, still searching for a first major title this sub-par season but standing 6-2 over his opponent lifetime.
Federer's reign at number one was brought to an end after 237 weeks last month as Nadal took over for the first time.
The 27-year-old Swiss remains wary of the unpredictable Djokovic: "I don't know if Novak's been the best hard court player this season, but he's been very good.
"It's going to be a really difficult match, the focus is trying to beat Djokovic."
Nadal has been looking slightly vulnerable as a long season catches up with the winner of crowns in Paris, Wimbledon and the Olympics.
The Spaniard has dropped sets in his last two matches against Americans Sam Querrey and Mardy Fish and admits that he is feeling the pace of his current success. He adds that "special motivation" keeps him going.
Murray is given 3/1 odds by London bookmakers to stage the upset of the top seed.
"I have all the respect for him always," said Nadal who has own all five of their encounters including last month in Toronto. "I know how good is Andy and how good he can play.
"The only way for a win is play my best tennis. I did very well against him in Wimbledon (quarter-finals) and played one of my best matches there.
"My goal is try to find my best feeling and my best performance, all the chance for winning."
Murray is determined to make his mark in the match-up. "I'm excited to be in the semifinals, but the tournament is still going," said the Scot.
"I said at the start of the tournament, I want to try to win it. I don't want to lose in the semis."
