Despite winning three majors in a year for the second time in his career, Djokovic’s 10 major titles are still well behind Federer’s record career mark of 17.
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Novak Djokovic closed out the grand slam marketing campaign in fashion beating very long time rival Roger Federer to say the US Open, leaving the Serb a hair away from one of many biggest seasons of all-time. He performed the same feat in 2011, a target also reached by Rafael Nadal in 2010, Roger Federer in 2004, 2006 and 2007, Mats Wilander in 1988, Jimmy Connors in 1974 and Rod Laver in 1969.
Djokovic’s 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 victory Sunday night was an exclamation mark on an extraordinary season in which he collected three Grand Slam titles and just missed the calendar year Grand Slam.
The U.S. Open final was a rematch of the Wimbledon final this summer, which resulted in another Djokovic four-set win over Federer.
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.
There was great respect for Djokovic, who had lost four of his five previous US Open finals, but whereas his best moments were mostly greeted by applause, Federer’s drew big cheers. I had also said that players like John McEnroe, Stefan Edberg and others had done it in the past, and that eventually it was not really a game-changer.
Following his victory, the World No. 1 said that he holds the Swiss Maestro in very high esteem, wishing to emulate the way he lives “on and off the court”.
Federer had not dropped a set in the entire tournament but Djokovic wiped out that distinction in 42 minutes.
The 28-year-old from Serbia took home his second US Open crown. It’s an ultimate challenge that I can have now winning against Roger back to back finals in Wimbledon and here, US Open. “I’m pleased with where my game is, but playing a great champion like Novak is always hard”.
The contest turned when Djokovic saved two break points when trailing 4-3 in the third set and then broke Federer in the following game.
The 17-times grand slam victor from Switzerland gave a celebration roar after the sizzling victor, elated to avoid a tiebreaker after losing the opening set 6-4 to the world number one.
Federer ended up with 54 unforced errors, 17 more than Djokovic.
Djokovic evened his series with Federer at 21-all.
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But he failed to breach Djokovic’s formidable defensive skills, managing to convert just four of 23 break point opportunities.
