Djokovic lifts third major of 2011 with US Open title

Sep 13, 2011, 1:45 GMT

New York - Novak Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal in a sixth major final this season to cement his status as 2011 dominator thanks to a marathon 6-2, 6-4, 6-7 (3-7), 6-1 title victory in a delayed US Open men's final on Monday.

Djokovic now owns 10 trophies on the season from 64 wins and two defeats.

The loss in four hours, 10 minutes was the fourth for Nadal in a Grand Slam final; he now stands 10-4 in title bids at the four majors.

The success gave world number one Djokovic trophies at three of the four Slams this season. He won the Australian Open and Wimbledon prior to his triumph at Flushing Meadows as he avenged a loss to Nadal a year ago.

'It really seems unreal. It's an incredible feeling,' said Djokovic. 'This amazing year just keeps getting better. Every time I play Rafa it's a big challenge. I hope we have many more tough matches in the future.'

The title match was put back a day for the fourth year in succession due to two days of rain last week which left a fragile schedule in chaos at the only Grand Slam without a covered stadium (or planning one like the French Open).

Nadal lost serve an astounding 11 times from 26 chances while breaking Djokovic on six occasions.

Djokovic secured the title after taking treatment on his left lower back which he injured late in the third set.

Djokovic got to work in the fourth set with a double-break of the defending champion and fell to his knee in disbelief and joy after he claimed the trophy.

The winner also paused to pay tribute to 9-11 victims a day after the 10th anniversary of the attacks in New York. 'I give compassion to the people of 9-11. This is more important than a sport. We are enjoying sport but we can't realise how lucky we are to live and do something we love.'

Djokovic, the sixth man to win three Grand Slam titles in the same year in the Open Era, added: 'This is one of the four strongest events in our sport.

'It's a pleasure to be one of the few players who has lifted this trophy. I couldn't do it without the team I love and respect so much.'

Nadal admitted his pain after failing again to find a solution to the monster Djokovic game.

'I'm disappointed,' admitted the Spaniard who has not beaten his rival in nearly a year. 'What this guy is doing is unbelievable and I congratulate him for this season. What he has done this year is probably impossible to repeat.'

Nadal lost the first two sets and faced a huge comeback task at a tournament when the last fightback from those depths occurred in 1949. The Spaniard saved face as he won the third set in a tiebreaker but was unable to capitalise on his slight momentum, with Djokovic going up a double break in the fourth set and running away with the win.

'I tried my best in every moment,' said Nadal. 'These kind of matches are very difficult. We both went to the limit. I tried to play aggressive but he was too good.

'I ran down every ball and fought hard on every point, until the last ball.'

Nadal added: 'I've lost lot of finals to him this year. I need to work hard to try and improve. I'll be back next year to try again. I leave with high motivation.

Both players now face a transatlantic sprint to Europe in hopes of being fit for Davis Cup semi-final in their respective nations, with play beginning on Friday in that competition.