NEW YORK – Novak Djokovic vanquished long-time rival Roger Federer 6-4 5-7 6-4 6-4 to win the U.S. Open tennis tournament on Sunday to cap one of greatest grand slam seasons of all-time.
The victory gave Djokovic three of the year’s four grand slam titles with a loss to Stan Wawrinka in the French Open final his only blemish.
It was the tenth career major for Djokovic but only his second U.S. Open.
The 28-year-old Serb had known more frustration than success on the Flushing Meadows hard courts having previously reached the final five times and lifting the trophy just once in 2011.
It was more grand slam misery for the 34-year-old Swiss who, for the second consecutive grand slam, reached the final only to be denied an 18th title by Djokovic.
On Saturday, Flavia Pennetta won her first grand slam singles title over Roberta Vinci in an improbable all-Italian final, then added one more shock to a stunning fortnight by announcing her retirement.
With the 7-6(4) 6-2 win, the 33-year-old Pennetta becomes the fourth oldest grand slam winner in the Open Era and joins 2010 French Open champion Francesca Schiavone as the only Italian women to win a major singles title.
After embracing childhood friend and Fed Cup team mate Vinci at the net a smiling Pennetta stood at centre court during the trophy presentation and told a capacity crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium that included Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi that she would retire. (Reuters)
