Novak Djokovic Beats Kei Nishikori to Reach Eighth U.S. Open Final; Will Face Juan Martin del Potro

Novak Djokovic booked his trip to the U.S. Open final with a straight-sets win over Kei Nishikori on Friday night.

NEW YORK — Novak Djokovic served impeccably and used his usual brand of court-covering defense to reach his record-tying eighth U.S. Open final by beating Kei Nishikori 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.

Djokovic missed the tournament last year because of an injured right elbow that eventually required surgery. But he is back to his best as he bids for his third title at Flushing Meadows and 14th Grand Slam trophy overall.

He will face 2009 champion Juan Martin del Potro in Sunday's final.

Del Potro advanced when defending champion Rafael Nadal retired from their semifinal Friday because of a painful right knee after dropping the opening two sets. Nadal is the first man to retire from a semifinal or final at the U.S. Open since the professional era began in 1968.