NEW YORK - 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 all-time 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.
"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 form the tour for two or three years," added Djokovic.
It was Djokovic's 15th win over the Del Potro and fifth in five at the Slams. It came in a final which was business-like rather than thrilling, a relief for a tournament still reeling from the controversial women's final on Saturday.
Madness? This is the US Open! @GerardButler👊👊 @DjokerNole #USOpen pic.twitter.com/RT42AiiFwK
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 10, 2018
The result also means that 50 of the last 55 majors have been won by the 'Big Four' of Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Andy Murray. Del Potro backed Djokovic to surpass Federer's mark of 20 Slams.
"Of course he can. Novak has everything to make records in this sport," said the Argentine. "I was so happy to be playing the final against this magnificent idol," added Del Potro of his close friend Djokovic.
"He knows that he's one of my friends on tour and he knows he's one player I want to watch win on tour. Of course I'm sad to lose but I'm happy for Novak as well. You deserve to win."