Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will play in the Sony Open tennis tournament final on March 30.
The pair moved out of the semifinals after their opponents--Tomas Berdych and Kei Nishikori--withdrew because of health reasons.
The final is slated to start at 2:30 p.m. ET and run for about two-and-a-half hours.
The match will be broadcast live on ESPN. Live streaming will be available via Watch ESPN.
Nadal, currently ranked No. 1 in the world, beat No. 12 Milos Raonic in the quarterfinals in three sets (4-6, 6-2, 6-4) after breezing through the earlier competition.
Djokovic, currently ranked No. 1 in the world, beat No. 6 Andy Murray in two sets in the quarterfinals (7-5, 6-3).
Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns a shot to Andy Murray of Great Britain during their match on Day 10 of the Sony Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 26, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Both received walkovers when their semifinal opponents withdrew for health reasons. That left Nadal and Djokovic to play for the title Sunday in their 40th career meeting and their first of 2014.
Djokovic also received a walkover in the third round and has played only six sets in the tournament. He’s seeking his fourth title in the event, while Nadal is 0-3 in Key Biscayne finals, one of only three ATP Masters 1000 tournaments he has yet to win.
“To be able to play four finals in one tournament is because you did well,” Nadal said. “I’m going to try to be ready for Sunday.”
Djokovic will attempt to complete a March sweep Sunday. He won the Indian Wells title two weeks ago, when he beat Federer in the final.
Nadal leads his rivalry with Djokovic, 22-17, and they went 3-3 last year.
“Only chance to win against Novak is play to the limit, play my best, and wait that he not going to have his best day,” Nadal said.
Regardless of Sunday’s outcome, Nadal will remain No. 1 and Djokovic No. 2 next week.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Friends Read Free