Copyright © 2015. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.

Novak Djokovic collected his tenth Grand Slam event title, putting himself into equal seventh position in the all-time list of champions with Bill Tilden, and then vowed to maintain the same course he’s taken in recent years to overhaul those in front of him, topped of course by Roger Federer.

Djokovic, winner of three of the major titles this year, proved too poised and resolute for Federer in the US Open final and proved his superiority with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 win that earned him US$3.3 million plus an extra US$500,000 for finishing second to Andy Murray in the US Open series that preceded events at New York’s Flushing Meadows.

This is the second time the 28 year-old Serb has collected all but one of the four Slam tournaments, after also prevailing at all except the French Open in 2011.

At such a rate, Federer’s 17 major titles now looks distinctly catchable and Djokovic said: “Obviously I’m flattered and honored to be a part of elite group of players, legends of our sport, who managed to win this many Grand Slam trophies in their lives and careers.

“Just mentioned alongside them is truly something special. I’m 28. I have always valued the care for my body and my mind, and had this holistic approach to life. I always thought this is utmost importance for my tennis.

“I will continue on with the same kind of lifestyle, same kind of approach. I think that kind of approach brought me to where I am today. Hopefully this kind of approach will give me longevity and that I can have many more years to come, and as I said, many more opportunities to fight for these trophies.

“That’s why I’m playing this sport because, first of all I enjoy and love it. I have passion for it, and then it is to fight for the biggest trophies.”

Djokovic had previously lost four US Open finals; two against Rafael Nadal, one against Andy Murray and his first ever attempt against Federer in 2007. “A couple of finals, 2012 and 2013, I thought I could have won but I lost to two great players in Nadal and Murray,” he insisted.

“They went down to the wire and a couple of points decided a winner. Tonight was another match that was decided by few points. I can’t really find a particular reason why I have not been so successful in the finals here as I am in Melbourne or Wimbledon. But I’m glad that this tradition of losing in finals is broke now.”

Copyright © 2015. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.