After the release of the US Open draw, there have been many talks and discussions about a possible blockbuster final – featuring Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic, but amidst all this one man who hogged a lot of limelight and added that must needed X-Factor to this Grand Slam – is Czech warrior Tomas Berdych. So, before Andy Murray can gear himself up to play in his fifth career Grand Slam final, he will have to take on the dangerous and hugely talented Tomas Berdych – Roger Federer’s conqueror. Emotional Murray broke down during the presentation ceremony at Wimbledon this year and said that he thought he had a great chance, as Federer was getting old, but that did not happen. Now, Murray should be thankful to Berdych that he sent Federer home, but he can say thanks to him only after beating him today.

British Grand Slam hope Murray was pushed to a great extent in the quarterfinals by Marin Cilic but the Scot showed signs of a champion and made a terrific comeback from a set down to beat the Croatian with a 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-2, 6-0 scoreline on Thursday. Four-times Murray was just one victory away from getting his hands over that holy grail of tennis, but he failed every time to cross that last hurdle – can he break the jinx this time and force his critics to eat their own words by claiming what could be a turning point in his nation’s tennis history? This cryptic opening reflects upon Andy Murray’s journey so far, which has been overly scrutinized and followed since its start – by British fans. Because, every time their favorite Scot enters a Grand Slam, he ignites the hope of every Briton that yes, he can bring back the glory back home, which has been eluding them for more than sixty years. One attribute that has been remained the hallmark of Murray’s game since his first Grand Slam final that this defiant warrior has emerged as a stronger contender and individual – every time he lost in the final. Now that Murray has won an Olympic Gold medal for his country – he can break the jinx and win that coveted Grand Slam trophy for himself and his Major starving country.  Murray started off the new season on a high note by winning the Brisbane title and then finished in the semis at Aussie Open. The Scot lost to Roger Federer in Dubai final and also played fantastically on clay swing, which is highlighted by his Roland Garros QF finish. Murray lost to Roger Federer yet again – but this time at Wimbledon final. He avenged that loss by beating the Swiss at Olympics final. With 45-11 win-loss record and two titles in 2012 – Murray is certainly enjoying a fine run in the ongoing season.

Murray’s opponent Berdych is one of those tricky opponents who can overwhelm anyone on any given day with their instantly found-form. But, at the same time Berdych does look pretty fragile, when he does not find his rhythm during the crunch situations of a match. Seeded sixth in this tournament, Berdych is looking to become the third Czech man to reach the final at Flushing Meadows after Jan Kodes (1971, 1973) and Ivan Lendl (1982-89).  Berdych has an impressive 46-16 win-loss record for the season so far.

In head-to-head, Berdych leads with 4-2 against Murray with 2-1 in hard-court meetings. This will be their third clash this year. The Scot won at the Dubai Open and Berdych triumphed at the Monte-Carlo Masters.