Novak Djokovic wins US Open, beating Roger Federer in 4 sets

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic of Serbia has become the eighth man to win 10 career Grand Slam titles, defeating 17-time major champion Roger Federer of Switzerland 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 in an epic US Open final Sunday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Djokovic fought off an incredible performance from the 34-year-old Federer - who had the Flushing Meadows crowd in his corner throughout the match - and had a muted but confident celebration for the New York fans after winning match point.

It was his second career US Open title and his third major victory of 2015 after winning the Australian Open and Wimbledon earlier in the year. Entering the match, Djokovic became the third man to make all four Grand Slam finals in a year joining Rod Laver, and Federer - who has done it three times.

"First of all I have to share my admiration for Roger," Djokovic said following the match. "He keeps improving and keeps on going," The pair are now deadlocked with a 21-21 head-to-head record for their careers.

Djokovic continued that this season was the best of his career next to 2011 - when he also won Australian Open, Wimbledon, and US Open titles - but added it was sweeter now that he is a husband and a father.

The loss will be a tough pill to swallow for Federer who hasn't won a major since winning a seventh Wimbledon title in 2012. The Swiss played incredible in stretches but was only able to convert on 4-of-23 break point opportunities for the match.

Match Stats

Up 2-1 with a break, Djokovic fans had a scare in the first set as the world No. 1 took a hard fall that bloodied his elbow. Federer took advantage of the shaken Serbian, winning six of the next seven points to take a 3-2 lead. Djokovic, though, re-found his composure, taking four of the next five games for a one-set lead.

Federer had not dropped a set since losing to Djokovic in four sets at July's Wimbledon final.

The second set was highlighted by a marathon 10th game that saw Djokovic fight off two set points with the crowd loudly supporting his opponent. The Serbian finally prevailed after 15 minutes and seven deuces, but Federer got his revenge by breaking two games later and sending the New York fans into a frenzy.

After breaking to go up 2-1 in the third, Djokovic double-faulted twice and hit two unforced errors allowing Federer to return the favor. Tied at 4-all, Federer shanked a forehand and backhand, granting the Serbian a chance to serve for the set. Djokovic converted for a commanding 2-1 lead.

With a "Let's go, Roger! Let's go!" chant ringing at Flushing Meadows, Federer made an incredible crosscourt backhand to gain double-break point, but Djokovic fought back to send the game to deuce.

The Serbian fought off a break point and he clinched the match when a Federer forehand landed long, winning the final set 6-4.