NEW YORK: Kei Nishikori of Japan celebrates after defeating Novak Djokovic of Serbia in their men\'s singles semifinal match on Day Thirteen of the 2014 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre here Saturday. — AFP Photo NEW YORK, Sept 7 (AFP): Japan's Kei Nishikori became the first Asian man to reach a Grand Slam final when he swept past seven-time major winner Novak Djokovic in the US Open semi-finals Saturday.
The 10th seed braved on-court temperatures nudging the 40-degree mark to clinch a famous 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 victory over the world number one.
Nishikori, the first Japanese man since 1918 to reach the semi-finals in New York, goes on to face either 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer or Croatia's Marin Cilic in Monday's championship match.
His victory over Wimbledon champion Djokovic will go down as one of the sport's greatest shocks.
The 27-year-old Serb was the 2011 champion in New York, was playing in his eighth successive US Open semi-final and bidding for a sixth final, his 15th overall at the majors.
The top seed was also looking to make his third Grand Slam final of 2014.
In contrast, prior to Saturday, the 24-year-old Nishikori's best effort had been a run to the quarter-finals of the 2012 Australian Open.
"I don't know what's going on," said a breathless Nishikori.
"I was a little bit tight especially as it was my first semi-final in a Grand Slam but it's just an amazing feeling to beat the number one player.
"It was tough conditions, it was a little heavy and humid but I guess I love to play long matches."
Nishikori said that the key was to forget about the one-sided second set.
"He started to play much better, very consistent and more aggressive. I tried to forget about the second set and tried to concentrate again."
The Florida-based star also praised the work of coach Michael Chang, a Grand Slam winner with the French Open title in 1989.
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