New York yearns for meeting of familiar old foes

Stage set for Federer and Nadal to finally do battle in Big Apple

NEW YORK - Their rivalry has stretched 13 years and 37 matches, but Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have never met at the US Open, a staggering anomaly that seems certain to be corrected at this year's final Grand Slam, which starts on Monday.

Nadal, back on top of the world rankings for the first time in three years, is a two-time winner in New York, his 2010 and 2013 titles forming part of his 15-Slam portfolio which was enriched by a 10th French Open in June.