Roger Federer has been at his aesthetically-wonderful best; Novak Djokovic has played like a machine – come Sunday afternoon in New York, something's gotta give as the two clash in the final of the 2015 US Open.
Federer has not dropped a single set all tournament, and will take confidence from an authoritative win over Djokovic in the final of the Cincinnati Masters – the leadup tournament to the US Open. While Federer has been the best player in the men's singles at this US Open so far, the Swiss legend will know he will need to crank that level up a notch or two more if he is to stop Djokovic from winning his second US Open title.
"[My rivalry with] Novak it's been more straightforward, in my opinion," Federer said. "That's what I like about the rivalry. I think we both can -- I don't know how it is for him, but I feel like he doesn't need to adjust his game as much, either.
"I think it's just a straight shootout, and I think that's the cool thing about our rivalry. It's very athletic.
"We both can handle each other's -- whatever we present to one another -- and I think our matches, it's very even. That's it, I think. I don't need to add more here."
While Federer got the better of Djokovic in Cincinnati, the Serbian was too good for the Swiss in the Wimbledon final, and that is something the master will want to change.
When it has come to the really big matches, Djokovic has had Federer's number in recent times, and the 17-time Grand Slam champion needs to find a way to change that.
Maybe the "sneak attack" – you know that basic chip and charge which has been ridiculously labelled as unfair by many players, including Djokovic – is something that Federer can use effectively, especially considering it worked in that final in Cincinnati as well.
"I haven't spoken much to other players about this," Federer said when asked about his sneak attack, which has been dubbed SABR (Sneak Attack By Federer). "It's players coming up to my coach, Severin, and talking about it.
"So me personally I haven't heard much feedback from any player almost, to be quite honest. I hear it more through the press. I hear some and read some. But not that much, to be honest.
"For me, if it makes sense, you know, which I think it does, I'll use it in the finals. I used it to great effect against him in the tough situation, at was it, 4-1 in the breaker in Cincy.
"We will see if the occasion presents itself. It's got to be the right point, right frame of mind, yeah, the right place to do it. I hope I'll have the opportunity to do it."
Djokovic is clearly not a big fan of that Federer tactic. "[Federer] tried that in Cincinnati," the world number one said. "It worked a couple of times. It's an exciting shot for him.
"For the player opposite side of the net, not so much. So I have nothing else to say about that."
What Djokovic needs to ensure is that he does not let that shot affect him too much, because, knowing the great man, Federer will try it at some point in the match.
The Serbian, though, will know if he plays the kind of tennis he did in the Wimbledon final, Federer will have a tough time winning his sixth US Open title.
Where to Watch Live
Get the Highlights of the Match HERE
Read How Federer Lost the Final to Djokovic HERE
Get the Final Report and Score HERE
Get the Sania Hingis Women's Doubles Final Score and Report HERE
Djokovic vs Federer is scheduled for a not before 4 pm local time (1.30 am IST, 9 pm BST) start, with live TV coverage in India on Ten Sports. The men's singles final can also be watched via live streaming online on Ten Sports Live.
Viewers in Australia can watch Roger Federer vs Novak Djokovic Live on Fox sports, while the big match also be live streamed on Foxtel Play.
Audience watching the big match in the UK can catch it live on Sky Sports, while the online live streaming option is on Sky Go.
US viewers can watch Federer vs Djokovic live on ESPN, while the live stream option is on Watch ESPN.
