Novak Djokovic holds off Roger Federer in New York classic

Updated 14/09/2015 at 06:54 GMT

Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer 6-4 5-7 6-4 6-4 to win his second US Open title after a compelling battle in New York.

Novak Djokovic kisses the US Open trophy

Image credit: Reuters

The world number one had to contend not only with Federer but also with a highly partisan Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, who roared on the Swiss throughout a raucous final.

He held off a stirring Federer comeback in the fourth set as the second seed came agonisingly close to levelling from two breaks down - but ultimately his failure to convert break points cost him dearly.

[Matchcast: Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer]

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"It's been an incredible season. Next to 2011 probably the best season of my life," said Djokovic, who won the same three grand slam titles in 2011.

"But I'm enjoying this year more than any previous one because I'm a husband and I'm a father and that makes it even more sweeter.

"I love this sport!"

After splitting the first two sets, Djokovic made his move late in the third set, withstanding heavy pressure on his serve and eventually breaking Federer to move within striking distance of his 10th Grand Slam title.

Federer faded in the fourth, losing his serve twice more - having been broken just twice in the entire tournament previously.

The Swiss clawed one break back but Djokovic held his nerve to send Federer and the Flushing Meadows crowd away disappointed. The 34-year-old has now lost three finals since claiming his 18th and last Grand Slam title in 2012.

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 in 2011.

Sunday's final changed that record into a much better-looking two out of six. Given the look of the current tennis landscape, and what seems to be a gulf in class between Djokovic and anyone else on the tour in Grand Slam tennis this year, it seems hard to believe that he won't win at least one more title at Flushing Meadows.

Novak Djokovic screams with joy during the US Open final

Image credit: Reuters

Meeting for the 42nd time the rivalry between the elegant Swiss and the dominating Djokovic has developed into one of the sporting world's best and the latest installment, perhaps fittingly, deadlocked the head-to-head series at 21-21.

While the women's draw produced an improbable all-Italian final between two players virtually unknown outside of tennis circles the men's showcase featured the sport's two biggest names and dynamic figures.

The buzz lacking in Saturday's women's final gave way to an electric atmosphere inside Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday with David Beckham, Sean Connery and Robert Redford among the many celebrities taking in what turned into a night match after the start was delayed three hours by rain.

When Federer and Djokovic finally took to the court they were slow to find their rhythm and footing, particularly the top-seeded Serb, who crashed to the surface in the opening set and badly scraped his arm and leg.

But no damage was done, as the unflappable Djokovic quickly regained his composure and balance.

Federer, broken just twice the entire tournament, was living dangerously from the start by facing three break points in the opening game but managing to save all three.

The Swiss, however, could not fight off another three break chances on his next service game as Djokovic made the breakthrough to go up 2-1.

Federer broke back immediately but the Serb would quickly regain the advantage with yet another break to move ahead 4-3 then held serve to take the opening set from a shaky Federer.

The second set was a test of wills as Federer, with the crowd squarely in his corner, went toe-to-toe with a defiant Djokovic, the tug-of-war highlighted by a tense 15-minute 10th game, which Djokovic held to level at 5-5.

But it was Federer ending the set with a big fist pump after breaking Djokovic with a stinging crosscourt winner that brought the capacity crowd to its feet.

The effort, however, appeared to take something out of Federer as Djokovic, sensing his chance, claimed the crucial break at 5-4 in the next set to take control.

Roger Federer - US OPEN 2015

Image credit: AFP

Djokovic kept up the pressure with a break to open the fourth and then again to go up 5-2 to put the U.S. Open within his grasp.

But Federer would not go down without a fight and digging into his reserves, the Swiss would break and hold serve to cut the deficit to 5-4 and put the crowd in full roar.

With Djokovic again serving for the match, Federer would get three more break chances but this time the Serb would not falter and clinched the title when Federer's return sailed long.

KEY STATS

Federer lost his serve six times, having been broken twice in six previous matches at the 2015 US Open

Djokovic converted 6 of 13 break points (46%) - Federer converted just 4 of 23 (17%)

Djokovic hit 35 winners and 37 unforced errors - Federer hit 56 winners and 54 unforced errors

Novak Djokovic - US OPEN 2015

Image credit: AFP

NOVAK DJOKOVIC SAID

I have to share my admiration for Roger and everything he's doing. It's quite an incredible evening for me. I'm enjoying this year more than previous years because I'm a husband and father. Makes it even sweeter.

ROGER FEDERER SAID

Congratulations Novak, another great win. The whole American trip has been fantastic. Being back in the finals is where you want to be... I love the sport. I have a lot of passion. Last thing, I'll see you guys next year."