Federer wins ninth Slam

Roger Federer [Images] was naturally delighted with himself after he beat Andy Roddick [Images] 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 on Sunday to win his third consecutive US Open title.

"I think you have to look at the tournament as a whole and I've played some great shots all the way. It's been absolutely fantastic.

"I'm really happy to see him back at the top and I'm really happy to play against him.

World number one golfer Tiger Woods [Images] was among the crowd at a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium and Federer said he was full of admiration.

"We have been trying to meet for a while, but he promised me he would come if I was in the final, so there was a bit of pressure, but thanks for coming."

Playing in his record sixth straight Grand Slam final, Federer played below his best but still managed to beat the 2003 Open champion for the 11th time in 12 career meetings.

With the sets level at 1-1 and Roddick serving at 5-6, Federer broke the American to close out the third set amid a chorus of groans by the 24,000 spectators at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Federer began to smell blood early in the fourth set and broke Roddick in the second game to grab a 2-0 lead. The Australian Open and Wimbledon champion recovered his form, and his confidence, before breaking Roddick again for a 4-0 lead.

When he closed out the match on an overhead, the normally staid Federer collapsed in ecstasy and lay on the court on his back. He won eight of the last nine games to claim the title.

Despite playing his best only in stretches, Federer finished the two-hour, 27-minute match with 69 winners and only 19 unforced errors. The Swiss also out-aced the hard-serving Roddick 17-7.

Roddick had 33 winners and 23 unforced errors but was let down by his inconsistency at the net.

The victory was the ninth Grand Slam title for the 25-year-old Federer, who continues his march toward the record of 14 by American Pete Sampras.

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