14 Sep 2015

Djokovic wins US Open title

3:57 pm on 14 September 2015

World No.1 Novak Djokovic has won his second US Open championship, beating world No.2 Roger Federer in four sets in the final in New York.

Djokovic won the match 6-4 5-7 6-4 6-4 to deny the 34-year-old Federer his first grand slam title in three years.

View our coverage here

Men's world tennis number one Novak Djokovic.

Men's world tennis number one Novak Djokovic. Photo: Photosport

The victory gave Djokovic three of the year's four grand slam titles with a loss to Stan Wawrinka in the French Open final his only blemish.

It was the 10th career major for Djokovic but only his second at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Novak Djokovic celebrates his second U.S. Open win.

Novak Djokovic celebrates his second U.S. Open win. Photo: Supplied: U.S. Open

The 28-year-old Serb had known more frustration than success on the Flushing Meadows hardcourts, having previously reached the final five times and lifting the trophy just once, when he beat Rafael Nadal back in 2011.

But it was more grand slam misery for the 34-year-old Swiss instead, who, for the second consecutive major, made the final only to be denied an 18th title by Djokovic.

Novak Djovic at US Open

Novak Djovic at US Open Photo: AFP

The Swiss great only has himself to blame as his 54 unforced errors to his opponent's 37 probably cost him the match ultimately.

Federer finally sent a return long to hand the Serb the title after three hours and 40 minutes - the five-time champion had fought back from two breaks down to almost put the fourth set back on his racquet, but Djokovic held serve to deny the 34-year-old his first grand slam title in three years.

It marked the third grand slam triumph of the year for the Serb, who also won the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles.

Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during their final at the 2015 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 13, 2015 Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the USTA/AFP

Roger Federer is still waiting for that elusive 18th grand slam title Photo: AFP

Federer was the only player not to drop a set at the tournament - until the final, which was a rematch of his 2007 victory, in what was Djokovic's first-ever major title match.

The veteran's latest near-miss will inevitably again raise questions about whether the father of four and arguably the game's greatest ever player will win another slam.

While Federer has managed just one grand slam crown in almost six years, Djokovic has now amassed nine in that time.

One more and Djokovic will join legends Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg with 11 majors - only Federer (17), Rafael Nadal (14), Pete Sampras (14) and Roy Emerson (12) have accrued more.

The tennis titans had to endure a three-hour rain delay before resuming world sport's most compelling individual rivalry finally, which is now also the most enduring in men's grand slam history.

This was their 14th meeting at the majors and 42nd overall and Djokovic's success squared his career series with Federer at 21 wins apiece as Federer was unable to defy the doubters and father time.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs

We have regular online commentary of local and international sport.