Times News Network

New York, Sep 11: Roger Federer beat Andy Roddick 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 on Sunday for his third Grand Slam title of the year and ninth in his career, becoming the first man since Ivan Lendl to win the US Open in three consecutive years.

Lendl was the last to win three straight US Opens from 1985-87, and Federer became the only man in tennis history to win Wimbledon and the US Open three years in a row.

Federer won eight of the last nine games, had a 69-33 edge in winners and out-aced the big-serving Roddick 17-7.

Federer also committed only 19 unforced errors and improved his record against the last man before him to win the US Open to 11-1.

"I am happy it all worked out," Federer said. "It was difficult against Andy. I am happy to see him back at the top."

Federer went 27-1 at this year's Grand Slam tournaments, the only setback coming against Rafael Nadal in the French Open final. Federer has moved alone into sixth place for total major titles behind Pete Sampras' record 14.

"The way Roger plays the game is phenomenal," Martina Navratilova said on Sunday, when she was inducted into the US Open's Court of Champions, "but we need more players like him. ... He's just a genius with the racket."

In picking up his ninth Grand Slam title Federer takes sole possession of sixth place on the all-time list passing Andre Agassi, who is retiring and played his final match last Sunday.