Novak Djokovic clinched his third US Open title on Sunday with a 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 triumph over Juan Martin del Potro, taking him level with Pete Sampras's mark of 14 Grand Slams.
Djokovic, playing in his eighth final in New York and already the champion in 2011 and 2015, is now just three Slams behind Rafael Nadal and six back from the record 20 held by Roger Federer. It was also the third time the 31-year-old Serb – who missed last year's tournament with an elbow injury which sent his career into a mini-crisis – completed the Wimbledon-US Open double.
For world number three Del Potro, it was a heartbreaking experience coming in just his second Slam final, nine years after he was crowned US Open champion.
It was Djokovic's 15th win over the Argentine and fifth in five at the Slams.
"I want to say Pete, I love you, you're my idol," said Djokovic of Sampras.
"To the support of the loved ones, my kids, my wife, my small team of people that has been there with me through difficult times as well," added the Serb who underwent elbow surgery after the Australian Open in January."
For world number three Del Potro, it was a heartbreaking experience coming in just his second Slam final, nine years after he was crowned US Open champion before a long battle with wrist injuries pushed him into depression and to the brink of retirement.
"When I had my surgery I could truly understand what Juan Martin was going through when he had surgeries that kept him away from the tour for two or three years," added Djokovic.
The victory also means that 50 of the last 55 majors have been won by the 'Big Four' of Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Andy Murray.
