Novak Djokovic is three set wins from world domination. Stan Wawrinka stands in his way.
It all comes down on one match on Sunday for the men's championship in the 2016 U.S. Open. But there is more at stake.
MORE: Open images | Angelique Kerber wins women's title
For the second consecutive year, Djokovic will have three Grand Slam tournament titles if he defeats Wawrinka. Djokovic is the No. 1 seed, the world's best men's player and as dominant as tennis has seen. He emerged from the Roger Federer era to rule the game. And he is seeking his 13th Grand Slam title.
Wawrinka is among the few players able to claim victory over Djokovic in a Slam final. It came in 2015, when Wawrinka won the French Open. They meet again, this time on the hard surface of Arthur Ashe Stadium, the domed and loud centerpiece of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York.
Djokovic calls Wawrinka "a big match player. He loves to play on the big stage, against big players, because that’s when he elevates his level of performance."
Don't expect Wawrinka to wilt.
"He doesn’t get too stressed by the big occasion," Djokovic said. "He’s very powerful, big serve. Probably the best, most effective one-handed backhand in the world now. He can be very dangerous for everybody."
MORE: 21st century's Open champions | Looking back at Federer era
Both men want a statement victory. Djokovic to prove once again there is no better player. Wawrinka to prove he isn't a one-hit wonder.
The deck is stacked in Djokovic's favor. His path to Sunday's title match was lightened by two walkover wins, including a quarterfinal cut short. He is better rested, but also on top of his game as he showed in a four-set semifinal victory over Gael Monfils.
Djokovic also has history on his side. He is 19-4 against Wawrinka, although Sunday will be their first match of 2016.
But Wawrinka won't go easily, and he has history to prove it. In addition to '15 at Roland Garros, Wawrinka had Djokovic down 2-1 in the 2013 U.S. Open semifinals. In 2015, Wawrinka pushed Djokovic to five sets in the Australian Open semifinals. Paris, then, was his breakthrough.
"He's so good that he always find a way to be better. For sure he made me better," Wawrinka said this weekend.
"The matchup has always been interesting to see because the way we are playing. I'm trying to be aggressive. I can play really hard. He is amazing defender."