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US Open: Djokovic wins 10th grand slam title

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US Open: Djokovic, Monfils renew rivalry

Novak Djokovic reached double digits in the grand slam trophy race, defeating Roger Federer 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 on Sunday to claim his 10th title at the majors by winning the US Open.

The number one broke new ground with three grand slam trophies this year – at Australia, Wimbledon and New York – after reaching the finals of all four majors.

Djokovic and his number two Swiss rival had to wait out a rain delay of three hours before they could take to the court on the final edition in New York.

Federer, winner of the record 17 grand slam singles titles, was trying for his first since 2012.

Federer fought back in the fourth set from a 5-2 hole, breaking Djokovic as the Serb served for the victory before finally going down after more than three hours.

“Roger showed why he’s a champion coming from 5-2 in the fourth set. He made me play until the last point. Fortunately I was able to come up with some big serves in the last game.

“I have such admiration for Roger,” said Djokovic, who stood 1-4 in Open finals. “It was a difficult match, a tough one tonight.

“I respect what Roger represents for me and for other players. Knowing you’re playing perhaps the best in the history of the game, that’s a bit more pressure.”

Djokovic won the opening set while Federer fought to level at one each. But the Serb was able to maintain the edge for the four-set win in more than three hours.

Djokovic won his 63rd match of the season and 21st of the season against a fellow top 10 member,

“I needed to play my best to win this trophy, it’s all quite incredible,” said the winner of a record 3.3-million-dollar prize.

Read also: US Open: Vinci stops Serena’s historic chase

“This has been an incredible season, next to 2011 the best of my life. I’m enjoying this one even more as a husband and father. These achievements are incentive for me to keep going.”

Federer put on a brave face after dominating his opponents throughout the fortnight and coming to the final without the loss of a set, have suffered just two breaks of serve.

Federer struck 56 errors and converted on only four of his 23 break points as he lost to Djokovic in a second consecutive grand slam final, after Wimbledon two months ago.

The 34-year-old put a positive spin on his loss.

“It felt great to be in the final, I had a wonderful two weeks. I’m pleased with where my game is at. I’m back to the final where I wanted to be,” said the five-time champion 2004-08.

“This has been a good rivalry with Novak,” the Swiss, now 21-21 against Djokovic. “My game is moving in the right direction thanks to a great team. They’ve made me work hard in a good way and give me inspiration.”

Federer got off to an uncharacteristic nervous start, saving three break points in a long opening game and dropping only his third service game of the tournament to trail 1-2.

The Swiss immediately broke straight back after Djokovic slipped while moving sideways, landing on his right hand an elbow and eventually calling for the trainer two games later.

With Federer’s big game refusing to fire as it had during his previous 11 consecutive summer match wins, he again went down a break on a pass, 3-4. He saved a match point in the next game from a Djokovic error.

But the Swiss lost his first set since the Wimbledon, as he sent a backhand out to hand over a 6-4 early lead to his opponent after 41 minutes.

The second set level lifted, with Federer again saving three break points in the opening game as he started to find his rhythm.

Read also: US OPEN: Wozniacki out as Federer, Murray cruise on

Federer began to make inroads but missed a chance to level at a set each in the tenth game as Djokovic saved set points, eventually holding for 5-all. The Swiss eventually prevailed for one set reach to wild cheering form the majority of the Ashe court crowd.

The third set was a roller-coaster ride, with the pair exchanging breaks in the third and fourth games. Federer then produced two love service games but missed two chances for a 5-3 lead as the stubborn Serb held.

Federer was then broken in the next game to trail 4-5 on a backhand wide. A game later, the top seed grabbed a two-set-to-one lead after saving two more break points and profiting from a Federer error on set point.

In the fourth set, Federer’s forehand began to fade, with the Swiss dropping serve in the second game and missing on a break points chance – his 18th of the evening – to trail 4-2 before the dramatic finish.

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