New York, Sep 9: Novak Djokovic believes he has the mental strength to overcome world number one Roger Federer in today's US Open final and become the first Serbian man to win a grand slam crown.

The 20-year-old, a semi-finalist at both the French Open and Wimbledon this year, coped with hot conditions and a swirling wind to beat Spaniard David Ferrer 6-4 6-4 6-3 yesterday.

After downing Andy Roddick, Rafael Nadal and Federer to win the Montreal Masters last month, Djokovic proved that he had the talent to break the Nadal-Federer stranglehold in men's tennis.

''I think I am ready, and I need to think like this,'' said Djokovic, who is the first Serbian man to reach a major final.

''I need to believe in myself because otherwise I wouldn't get the positive outcome. I don't want to go out tomorrow and try to do my best or try to perform well. No, I'll go tomorrow to try to win.

''I'm going to be myself, be aggressive, try to be in control of the match, which is going to be difficult, and just believe in the victory. The win over him in Montreal will help me that's for sure.'' Ana Ivanovic became the first player representing Serbia to reach a grand slam final at the French Open earlier this year.

Jelena Jankovic has also been making waves by reaching the semis in Paris and here.

Djokovic said his success in reaching the showpiece match in New York would be greeted with delight in Serbia.

''It's the number one sport now,'' he said.

''Certainly everybody's following me and the girls. If you win against the best player in the world, and we all know how Roger's playing, he's basically unbeatable, it's a big success for my country.'' Djokovic was cheered on by a support group that sat in three rows of red, white and blue -- matching the Serbia flag that included actor Robert De Niro.

''They actually wanted to surprise me and they did, it's fantastic,'' Djokovic said.

''We had a similar situation in the French Open for the semi-finals. They were dressed all in yellow shirts, like 15 or 20 people, because I was wearing that yellow shirt.

''Right now they wanted to make it look even better, the colours of our flag, of Serbia. So it was very nice. I think it was my parents' idea, not De Niro's.'' Victory for Djokovic in the final would help him fulfil one of his ambitions.

''I always dreamed of winning a grand slam,'' he said.

''My favourite was Wimbledon because of the big tradition, and because that's the thing I remember from my childhood, seeing Sampras lift that trophy.

''But on the other hand, I have a lifetime goal. I'm going to work hard to be the number one player in the world.''

Reuters
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