Roger Federer vs Novak Djokovic: Is W & S Open Final a Preview of US Open Final?

World No. 1 Roger Federer will retain his No. 1 ranking at least until the end of the US Open after defeating fellow countryman Stanislas Wawrinka 7-6 (4), 6-3 to reach his fifth final at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati. 

The Swiss Maestro took over at the top of the rankings after claiming his record-equaling seventh Wimbledon title last month.

His opponent in Sunday’s final will be a man who looked unbeatable at this time last year, Novak Djokovic.  While he is not looking quite as sharp this year, Djokovic is 50-9 on the year with titles coming from Melbourne, Miami and Montreal.  Djokovic secured a spot in his fourth final in Cincinnati after defeating Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro 6-3, 6-2.

Federer has already won this title four times, including a win over Djokovic in 2009.  The Swiss Magician has played some brilliant tennis in 2012, winning titles in Rotterdam, Dubai, Indian Wells, Madrid and London, and will be keen to add more silverware to his collection heading into the US Open.

Federer currently leads their head-to-head 15-12, but Djokovic has won three of their last four meetings.  Federer famously held match points over Djokovic in the semifinals of both the 2010 and 2011 US Opens before Djokovic was able to hang on and advance to the final.

Sunday’s final marks the 28th chapter of one of the game’s most exciting rivalries and is one of the most anticipated matches of the year.

With Federer and Djokovic heading into the US Open as the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds, could Sunday’s final be a preview of what this year’s US Open has in store for us?

The 2012 US Open begins on August 27.