New Delhi: The US Open men's final went only one way—the Roger Federer way. The World No. 1 has picked up his fourth straight US Open title and his 12th Grand Slam. After beating Serbian Novak Djokovic in the final, Federer is now only two slams away from equalling Pete Sampras' record of 14 Grand Slam wins.
The World No. 1 came into the match having sown a little doubt in the crowd's minds. His opponent in the US Open final, Novak Djokovic, had beaten him the last time they had met.
So here was a final that could see Federer being put in a tight spot.
The first set was beginning to play out along expected lines with both players winning their service games. And with his support club cheering him on—Robert de Niro playing 'The Fan' and Maria Sharapova in his players' box—Djokovic earned the first break point.
But that is the point of being a champion. It's about turning things around, winning the big points in the match. It's about being Roger Federer.
Djokovic may have had a 100 per cent record against Federer in tie-breakers. But that did not show in this match with Federer winning the first two sets 7-6, 7-6.
The Serbian had his moments in his match by using the Nadal formula of attacking Federer's backhand, and setting up his trademark drop shots.
Call it inexperience though, or the nerve janglings of playing Federer in a Grand Slam final that Djokovic completely failed in winning the most important points in the match.
Come third set and an error-prone Djokovic looked spent. Federer continued to win all his points serving down the T. The Serbian also failed to come up with a counter plan, giving it up tamely on his 40th unforced error.
Federer was not even close to playing his best. But then again, destiny has this uncanny ability of favouring the Fedex.
It's number 12 now, and it won't be long for many more to follow.
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