Top-ranked Rafael Nadal has reached his first U.S. Open final, defeating 12th-seeded Mikhail Youzhny 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 to set up the first half of a much-anticipated Nadal versus Roger Federer match for the championship.
Nadal, who needs the U.S. Open to complete the career Grand Slam, had little trouble with the Russian. He lost only one service game and improved to 89-for-91 on serve for the tournament. Nadal still hasn't lost a set in six matches this year at Flushing Meadows.
He will play the winner of Saturday's second semifinal between second-seeded Federer and third-seeded Novak Djokovic.
Nadal is 5-2 against Federer in Grand Slam finals, all in Australia, Wimbledon and the French Open.
Nadal reaches first US Open final
