Murray and Federer aim for milestones in U.S. final

By Larry Fine

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Andy Murray on Sunday gave himself a chance to end a 72-year U.S. Open drought for British men by outwitting world number one Rafael Nadal to reach the final against four-times winner Roger Federer.

Murray, 21, completed a rousing 6-2 7-6 4-6 6-4 victory in a semi-final suspended by rain on Saturday to advance to his maiden grand slam final and bid to become the first British man to win any of the four majors since Fred Perry took the U.S. crown in 1936.

Federer, winner of 12 grand slams, had booked his berth in the final with his best match of the tournament a 6-3 5-7 7-5 6-2 victory over Australian Open winner Novak Djokovic in a semi-final completed on Saturday before rain washed out play.

The 27-year-old Swiss, winner of 12 grand slam titles, has an even older milestone within reach as a victory against Murray would make him the first man to win five U.S. titles in a row since Bill Tilden in 1924.

"He's probably the greatest player ever," the sixth-seeded Scot said courtside of Federer after his backhand putaway of a Nadal drop shot gave him victory in his first trip to the last four of a grand slam.

"To get a chance to play him in a grand slam final is an honour. I have played well against him in the past and hopefully I can do the same again tomorrow."

Murray leads the head-to-head with Federer 2-1, including a hard court victory over the Swiss master this year in Dubai.

Federer had said he might prefer to continue his long slam rivalry against Nadal, who beat him for the French and Wimbledon titles this year, but had high regard for Murray.  Continued...