New York, Sep 13 (DPA) Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal could brighten up what has been a dreary few days at the US Open if both can ignore the scheduling and weather crisis that have again wrecked the programme at the last of the 2009 majors.

Federer, on the march towards a sixth straight title at the event where he has not lost since 2003, will play Novak Djokovic Sunday, more than three days after both men moved through into the final four.

By contrast, Nadal will have had only 24 hours of rest when he faces Argentine Juan Del Potro.

Nadal Saturday took advantage of a tiny dry window, spending 34 minutes in finishing up a quarter-final against Chile's Fernando Gonzalez in three sets before more rain arrived to wreck the afternoon schedule.

The men's final is now organised for Monday evening for the second year running at the only Grand Slam that seems to be balking at considering installing a roof over a showcourt.

Top seed Federer has beaten Djokovic at the last two editions at Flushing Meadows, the 2007 final and in the semis a year ago. The Serb also lost to the Swiss in the Cincinnati title match three weeks back.

In addition to working for a sixth consecutive trophy at the venue, Federer will be playing in his 22nd straight Grand Slam semi-final, another men's record that looks to be untouchable.

'He's done well against me in the past, but I beat him in Cincinnati and I hope I can build on that and try to beat him again here,' Federer said of fourth seed Djokovic.

Federer holds an 8-4 lead in the series, with the pair split 3-3 over the last two seasons.