Djokovic regains US crown

New York: Serbian star Novak Djokovic vanquished Roger Federer in a four-set battle to clinch the men's singles title at the US Open here. The top seeded Djokovic survived a strong fightback from the Swiss veteran to carve out a 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 victory in three hours and 20 minutes at Flushing Meadows on Sunday evening.

Djokovic thus claimed the 10th Glam Slam title of his career. The 28-year-old from Serbia took home his second US Open crown. He had won his first US Open title in 2011. This was the third Glam Slam title of the season for Djokovic. The Serbian ace had clinched the Australian Open and Wimbledon earlier this year.

This was the second consecutive time this year that Federer has been denied an 18th Grand Slam title by Djokovic. He had been ousted by the Serb in the Wimbledon final in July as well. In a battle of the top two seeds at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, the spirited Federer was egged on by the crowd as the 34-year-old went for his 18th major title.

The match was delayed by three hours due to rain. When the contest finally started, both Federer and Djokovic took time to find their rhythm and footing due to the slippery conditions. Djokovic suffered a fall during the opening set, badly scraping his arm and leg.

But when the world number one regained his composure, he quickly asserted his dominance, breaking Federer's serve six times and saving 19 of 23 break points to battle his way to his 27th win in 28 Grand Slam matches this year.

Djokovic's 10 majors takes him level with American Bill Tilden and just one shy of Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver on the all-time list. Federer was ultimately undone by 54 unforced errors and his ability to convert just four of 23 break points.

“I have tremendous respect for Roger and the challenge he presents,” said Djokovic, who is now 21-21 in career meetings with Federer. “He's the best player ever. I knew I needed to play my best in order to win. It's an incredible evening.”

He added: “I love this sport and all these achievements are incentive for me to keep on going.” Federer insisted he would be back to try again in 2016. “I love tennis. I'll see you back here next year,” said the veteran. “I'm pleased with where my game is, but playing a great champion like Novak is always difficult.”

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