Federer storms through to win third US Open
Swiss tennis star and world number one Roger Federer won his third United States Open championship in a row on Sunday.
He beat American Andy Roddick 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 in the final to claim his ninth Grand Slam crown and third of the season after triumphs at the Australian Open and at Wimbledon.
Federer becomes the first man in tennis history to win three successive Wimbledon and US Open titles in the same years.
He is also first man to win the US Open in three consecutive years since Ivan Lendl achieved the hat-trick in 1987.
In Sunday’s game the first two sets were shared, but both players had their chances with break points in the third.
In the end, Federer out-aced the big-serving Roddick 17-7, compiled a 69-33 edge in winners, and made only 19 unforced errors. He won eight of the last nine games.
The Swiss then sealed his domination of the game by making short work of the fourth set. He ended the final with an emphatic overhand smash before falling onto his back in celebration.
“I’ve been on a roll since 2004, and of course I am surprised how well it went, but at the same time I know I’ve given myself the best possible chance,” Federer said afterwards.
“In the end, maybe I’m not that surprised, because the hard work is paying off.”
Federer has won 27 games at this year’s Grand Slam tournaments, the only setback coming against Rafael Nadal in the French Open final.
The Swiss has moved into sixth place in terms of major titles behind Pete Sampras’s record 14.
“Roger is at the top, and he’s the only person at the top, regardless of how much people want to make rivalry comparisons,” Roddick said after the final.
“He’s the best player in the game. There’s no question in my mind or if you ask any player about that.”
swissinfo with agencies
Grand Slam wins
Pete Sampras (14)
Roy Emerson (12)
Björn Borg (11)
Rod Laver (11)
Bill Tilden (10)
Roger Federer (9)
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