US Open: Djokovic triumphs, picks up 14th Grand Slam title

It is the Serb’s 14th Grand Slam singles title — tying with Pete Sampras for third all time — and his second consecutive Major win, following his Wimbledon triumph earlier this year.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic kisses the US Open trophy after beating Juan Martin del Potro in the final.

Novak Djokovic defeated Juan Martin del Potro 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3 at the US Open championship on Sunday, picking up his third title at Flushing Meadows.

It is the Serb’s 14th Grand Slam singles title — tying with Pete Sampras for third all time — and his second consecutive Major win, following his Wimbledon triumph earlier this year. 

The sixth seed played a far more superior game than World No. 3 del Potro, who was in his first Grand Slam final after he won the title in 2009.

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Djokovic held nerve through crucial moments — including a 20-minute, 22-point game in the second set — and pulled through. del Potro's searing forehands were no match for Djokovic, whose excellent court coverage and trademark body-splits made him get to every ball shot at him. 

“Of course I'm sad that I lost,” del Potro said. "But I'm happy for Novak and his team. They deserve to win.''

Speaking on his tie with Sampras, Djokovic said, “I was hoping he was going to be here, but he's not. He’s my idol. Pete, I love you.” 

A year after missing the U.S. Open because of an elbow injury, Djokovic has reasserted himself back into being the best.