Djokovic, Nadal set up blockbuster US Open final

Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates a point against Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland during their men's semifinal match at the US Open tennis championships in New York, Sept 7, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after defeating Richard Gasquet of France in their men's semifinal match at the US Open tennis championships in New York, Sept 7, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

NEW YORK - World number one Novak Djokovic and number two Rafa Nadal set up a mouthwatering men's singles final at the US Open with victories in the semifinals at Flushing Meadows on Saturday.

Monday's US Open championship showdown will be the third in four years for Djokovic and Nadal at the US National Tennis Center after they advanced in contrasting fashion.

Top seed Djokovic sealed his berth first by overtaking gutsy ninth seed Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland in a heart-pounding 2-6 7-6(4) 3-6 6-3 6-4 victory over four hours.

Nadal conserved his energy, dismissing eighth-seeded Richard Gasquet 6-4 7-6(1) 6-2 to improve his career record to 11-0 against the Frenchman and his 2013 hardcourt record to 21-0.

The Spaniard, winner of 12 Grand Slam titles, won his only US Open crown in 2010 against Djokovic, who claimed his Flushing Meadows title the following year against Nadal. Last year Djokovic was runnerup to Briton Andy Murray.

"Last year I didn't have the chance to play on this court," said Nadal, who was sidelined seven months due to a knee injury.

"To have the chance to play in the final Monday is just a dream for me. It has been two amazing weeks for me."