New York, Sep 13 (DPA) Rain wrecked what had been a near-perfect fortnight at the US Open, with the final between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic postponed until Monday.

The scheduling setback marks the third year in succession that the men's final has been unable to be contested on the Sunday. In 2008 Roger Federer beat Andy Murray, while in 2009 the Swiss lost in a fifth set to Argentine Juan Del Potro.

Officials announced Sunday evening that the end of the women's doubles final will start at 2.55 p.m. (1855 GMT) with the men's final due to start at 2000 GMT.

The delay can only prove beneficial to Djokovic after the Serb fought for nearly four hours Saturday to defeat five-time winner Federer in five sets. No matter how he fares in his 22nd meeting with the Spanish world number one, the 23-year-old will return to second in the standings.

The rain drama will boost calls for the cash-rich American federation to open up and pay the tens of millions of dollars required for a roof. The shame factor could eventually work to this end, with the Australian Open set to have three covered courts and Wimbledon putting a roof on Centre Court in 2009.

Nadal was delayed in his quest to complete a career Grand Slam, with the US Open the only major missing from his resume.

Nadal stands 14-7 over Djokovic, who won the 2008 Australian Open. The Spaniard is also aiming to become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win three consecutive Slams after claiming repeat trophies in 2010 at Roland Garros (his fifth) and Wimbledon (second).