New York - Roger Federer is not lamenting the lack of Rafael Nadal across the net when he plays Monday in the second weather- delayed US Open final in as many years. The top-seed will need a quick turnaround from Sunday's 7-6 (7-3), 7-5, 7-5 defeat of Novak Djokovic, which thrust him into a sixth straight final at Flushing Meadows, where he faces talented Argentine Juan Del Potro after the youngster put out Nadal in three fast sets.
Federer and Nadal have met in finals of the other three Grand Slams but never in New York.
"I think it would have been awesome to play him in the final for the first time, after all the great matches we had at all the other majors," Federer said.
"It's disappointing for the people who wanted to see that final. But at the same time, we have got an up and coming player now rising through the rankings and playing also some phenomenal tennis. I think it's going to be exciting to watch."
Del Potro, 0-6 against the master, has lost to Federer three times this season at Australia, Madrid and over five clay-court sets in Paris.
"It's part of my dream," number six Del Potro said of the chance to lift his breakthrough major. "I'm very close to it. This moment is so nice, and I always dreamed of this moment.
"I'll try to do my best tomorrow, try to enjoy my first final. And, of course, I would like to win my first Grand Slam."
Del Potro takes confidence from his near-miss at Roland Garros.
"When I played Roger at the French Open, I was so close. That surface was much better for me," he said.
"And this surface won't help either of us too much. But I have a good sensation about everything, and I hope the best for tomorrow."
Federer said that after making his Grand Slam record breakthrough with his 15th at Wimbledon, the pressure at Flushing Meadows is much reduced after the birth of his twin daughters on July 23.
"I feel a little bit different here. Things go very quickly here. You don't have much time to think about it. You just take it in your stride," he said.
"Right now I'm relaxed. We'll see how I feel tomorrow. I was pretty nervous going into the semi-final. It's going to be interesting to see how I handle it tomorrow. But it will be great to get the first-Slam-as-a-dad sort of thing, keep the momentum going, win three in a row. It will be something very special."
Federer has played 16 of the last 17 Grand Slam finals, missing out only in January 2008, when he was beaten in the Australian semis by Djokovic.
