Federer enters record books with US Open win
The world’s number one tennis player, Roger Federer, won his first US Open title on Sunday by beating Australia's Lleyton Hewitt in straight sets 6-0, 7-6, 6-0.
With his victory, the Swiss became the first player since Mats Wilander in 1988 to win three grand slam titles in the same year.
Federer was close to perfection as he raced through the first set in 18 minutes, dropping only five points.
Hewitt fought back, before losing a tie-break in the second set. Federer then stormed through the third to become the first man in the Open era to win his first four grand slam finals.
“I still can’t believe what I’ve done this year. To win three grand slams out of four is so great, and to win the US Open is incredible,” said the 23-year-old Swiss after collecting $1 million (SFr1.26 million) in prize money.
The Basel player had never previously gone beyond the fourth round at Flushing Meadows.
The US Open title also marked a return to winning ways for Federer, who suffered disappointment at the Olympic Games in Athens last month when he was knocked out in the second round.
Different league
It was the third time Hewitt had lost to the Swiss in a grand slam tournament this year.
“It’s disappointing, but in the first set I didn’t have any real opportunities to get my teeth into the match,” said the fourth-seeded Hewitt, who had won his two previous grand slam finals.
“When he plays like he did today, he is in a different league,” added the Australian. “He’s taken it to another level.”
Federer has won four out of the last six grand slam tournaments: the US Open and the Australian Open this year, and Wimbledon for the past two years – the best performance since Pete Sampras won four out of five between 1993-1994.
The only grand slam title missing from Federer’s trophy cabinet is the French Open.
“There are still plenty of guys in front of me, not just Sampras,” said the champion after the match. “It’s not a goal for me to beat Pete’s record. For me, that is not the motivation.
“Right now I’m enjoying life as world number one and I want to stay a bit longer. But the most important thing for me is to be an idol for the kids and represent the sport correctly.”
swissinfo with agencies
Roger Federer’s grand slam titles:
Australian Open 2004
Wimbledon 2004, 2003
US Open 2004
Federer has won six other tournaments this year.
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