The men's third seed Stanislas Wawrinka has toppled world number one and defending champion Novak Djokovic for the 2016 US Open tennis title.
Stan Wawrinka celebrates winning the 2016 US Open. Photo: AFP
The 31-year-old Swiss, who defeated Djokovic on his way to winning the 2014 Australian Open and 2015 French Open, denied the world number one a third grand slam title this year following the Serb's wins in Australia and France.
Wawrinka has trailed Djokovic 19-4 in their career head-to-head, but the hard-working Swiss saves his best for the big matches and he came through again with a superlative performance to win his 11th tour final in a row.
The Swiss was better on the most important points of the nearly four-hour final, which featured long rallies and brilliant shot-making from both players.
Wawrinka cashed in on six of 10 break-point opportunities against Djokovic and frustrated the Serb by saving 14 of 17 break-points against him.
The victory was worth $3.5 million for Wawrinka, who is only missing a Wimbledon victory to complete the coveted career grand slam.
-RNZ/Reuters
