Novak Djokovic described his 6-4 5-7 6-4 6-4 victory against Roger Federer in the 2015 US Open final as “quite incredible”.
Djokovic needed three hours and 20 minutes to subdue a hostile Flushing Meadows crowd and claim his third major of 2015 – and 10th career Grand Slam.
In a rain-delayed showdown in New York, the 28-year-old top seed broke the Federer serve six times and saved 19 of 23 break points as he battled his way to a 27th win in 28 Grand Slam matches this calendar year.
“I won three out of four. It’s more than I could ask for, definitely,” world number one Djokovic told reporters.
“Sitting down here with this trophy and reflecting on what I have achieved, it’s quite incredible.”
Five-time champion Federer was bidding to win an 18th Grand Slam title in New York City – and first for three years – but Djokovic said he had covered every single facet of his opponent’s game.
“He was going to try to disrupt my rhythm…[and] put a lot of variety in his game: slice, chip and charge, come to the net, serve and volley,” he added.
“But I was ready for it. I was ready for the battle…we pushed each other to the limit, as we always do.”
Federer must now wait until the Australian Open in January next year in his attempt to win another major and the 34-year-old said he had no desire to walk away just yet.
“I had a wonderful last two weeks, the whole American trip has been fantastic. I’m very pleased with where my game’s at, being back in the finals is where you want to be,” he told reporters.
He added: “Playing against a massive champion like Novak is always a challenge. It’s always tough playing against one another and I think we walk away from [each match] knowing more about our game.”
