Stan Wawrinka wins Australian Open over hobbled Rafael Nadal FacebookEmail Twitter Google+ LinkedIn Pinterest Stan Wawrinka wins Australian Open over hobbled Rafael Nadal MELBOURNE, Australia -- Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland held on to stun a hobbled Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 and win his first Grand Slam championship in his major debut at the Australian Open on Sunday. Post to Facebook Stan Wawrinka wins Australian Open over hobbled Rafael Nadal MELBOURNE, Australia -- Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland held on to stun a hobbled Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 and win his first Grand Slam championship in his major debut at the Australian Open on Sunday. Check out this story on USATODAY.com: CancelSend A link has been sent to your friend's email address. Posted! A link has been posted to your Facebook feed.

13 To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs Stan Wawrinka wins Australian Open over hobbled Rafael Nadal Douglas Robson , USA TODAY Sports Published 6:13 a.m. ET Jan. 26, 2014 | Updated 9:39 p.m. ET Jan. 26, 2014 CLOSE x Share News, notes and highlights from the final day at Australian Open, featuring Stanislas Wawrinka, Rafael Nadal, Daniel Nestor and Kristina Mladenovic and more! Stanislas Wawrinka beat Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal for his first Grand Slam title. Stanislas Wawrinka celebrates after defeating Rafael Nadal to win his first career Grand Slam championship. (Photo: Aaron Favila, AP) Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka wins his first Grand Slam final, at 28. Spain's Rafael Nadal seemed to hurt his back early in the second set. Nadal rallied to win the third but Wawrinka, thrown off by his opponent's injury, got back on track.

MELBOURNE, Australia -- An hour before the biggest match of his life, Stanislas Wawrinka sent a message. "Relaxing before the final," he tweeted before Sunday's Australian Open final. Visible were his legs and feet, crossed and splayed on a cushioned foot stool, as two members of his team looked on in the players lounge. No matter that Wawrinka was facing No. 1 Rafael Nadal, to many the best big-match player in history. No matter that Wawrinka had lost all 12 of their meetings (and all 26 of their sets). No matter that he was contesting his first Grand Slam tournament final and Nadal his 19th. Once underway, Switzerland's Wawrinka spent the first hour bullying Nadal, lost his focus when the 13-time major winner from Spain injured his back early in the second set but regained his footing to win capture his maiden major 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 at Rod Laver Arena. "Tonight was just the perfect start," eighth seed Wawrinka said.

Perennially in the shadow of fellow Swiss and good friend Roger Federer, Wawrinka pulled off a feat not even Federer or any player had achieved: Beating both Nadal and No.2 Novak Djokovic in a major. Wawrinka will move to a career-high No. 3 Monday, the first time he has ranked ahead of 17-time major winner Federer, who he teamed with to win the 2008 Olympic gold medal in doubles. "I saw Roger winning so many Grand Slams in the past, so now it's my turn to win one," said Wawrinka, the first man to win a major besides Nadal, Federer, Djokovic and Andy Murray since Juan Martin del Potro in the 2009 U.S. Open. "I did have an amazing two weeks, and I was playing my best tennis ever." The transformation of Wawrinka, 28, is nothing short of remarkable. (Photo: Eugene Hoshiko, AP) Possessed of a big serve and powerful arsenal off both wings — especially his explosive one-handed backhand — Wawrinka had been a solid top-20 player for years.

But he usually came a few points shy of reaching his potential until finishing in the top 10 last year. He could pull off the occasional big win, – such as beating Wimbledon champion Murray on his way to the U.S Open semifinals last year, – but rarely strung them together. Until Sunday's win, Wawrinka owned only five minor ATP Tour titles. But after teaming up with coach Magnus Norman of Sweden last April, the late bloomer Wawrinka has come into his own. Former No. 2 Norman on Sunday called Wawrinka "a diamond that was a little bit unpolished" and compared him to Robin Soderling, the man Norman coached to perhaps the biggest upset in the last decade when Soderling beat Nadal at Roland Garros, – still the eight-time French Open champion's only loss there. "Maybe I helped him with the last steps, small things," said Norman, who conceded Wawrinka's win was "a little beyond" his expectations. He explained it the difference was simply helping Wawrinka carry more self-belief into big matches and finding the right balance of patience and aggression.

"You've got to take your cuts, of course," he said of playing Nadal, "but at the right time." Pete Sampras, back in Melbourne to present the men's trophy 20 years after his first title Down Under, was impressed by Wawrinka's poise under pressure. "I thought he'd be a little bit ...– just uptight," said Sampras, who also won his Grand Slam debut in the 1990 U.S. Open at 19. "I think the right person won," added Sampras said. "He's the real deal." For Nadal, who was seeking to become the first man in the Open era to win all four majors at least twice, Melbourne continues to be a tough-luck tournament. He captured the title in 2009 and lost a marathon five-set final to Djokovic in 2012. He missed the 2013 tournament during a seven-month layoff to nurse his injured knees, and his quarterfinal defeats in 2010 and 2011 were affected by injuries. As long as he stays healthy, Nadal will be back. "It has been a very emotional two weeks.

I'm sorry to finish this way," he told the Rod Laver Arena crowd. "I tried very, very hard — this year was one of the more emotional tournaments in my career." The win alters the dynamic of a tour lorded over by the so-called Big Four, who until Sunday had won 34 of the last 35 majors. "It's a monumental win for the second-tier guys," said three-time Australian Open winner Mats Wilander of Sweden. "The door is open." Next up for Wawrinka, who is married with a 3-year-old daughter, is a tough first-round Davis Cup tie against Serbia this coming weekend. Norman said the Swiss, now 10-0 in 2014, is well-positioned to do more damage in the months ahead, especially on clay in the spring, where he has had his best results. "One of the good things coaching Stan — he always wants more," said Norman. "I'm not worried about any letdown." Asked by an interviewer on Australian TV if he was ready to win at Roland Garros, Wawrinka, still pinching himself, laughed. "Don't go too far, please," he said.

PHOTOS: Wawrinka's Aussie Open crown Australian Open 2009 Tennis Championship Winners Australian Open 2009 Tennis Championship Winners 04 Feb 2009 by Hiland in Australian Open 2009 The first grand slam of the year concluded amidst high drama and compelling action. The Australian Open 2009 Tennis Championship will go down in history as one of the finest Grand Slam Tournaments. The event produced some spectacular tennis matches. In the Men’s Draw, power tennis and marathon matches highlighted play while top seeded women fell like a house of playing cards until the inevitable occurred. When all was said and done, two premier players stood atop the tennis world. Rafael Nadal World No. 1 Rafael Nadal of Spain Defeated Swiss Roger Federer by 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-2 to lift the Men’s Trophy Before the greatest tennis players in the world migrated to Melbourne, there was speculation that the two most highly rated tennis players were not prepared to cope with new, svelte young guns.

After all, the number two ranked player, Roger Federer , may have won 13 Grand Slam Championships, but he had recently been dominated by the world’s top ranked player, Rafael Nadal , and 4 consecutive times by Scotland’s Andy Murray. Rafael Nadal was highly regarded as a grass court player, but had been inconsistent on faster surface. Of course, despite his five Grand Slam titles, he was only 22 years old and had never performed that well during the Australian summer. And, there was the tempestuous, flamboyant Andy Murray . Now, here was a fast court player. Granted Murray had never won a Grand Slam and despite his relative immaturity at 21 years of age, he had been impressive against Federer since the U.S. Open. Murray, the 4th seed, was installed as the pre-tourney bookmaker’s favorite. The 2008 Australian Open Champion, Novak Djokovic , was the number 3 seed, but was rumored to have trained poorly. He would definitely not win this year and the Serb would struggle with the climate. The reason tennis uses a seeding system is that it works! Djokovic was not in shape to play.

Murray’s immaturity showed. Federer kept looking better and better. Nadal did not lose a set until the semi finals where he was confronted by another hard charging Spaniard Fernando Verdasco , who had trained harder than any other player for this event. In the match of the tournament, Fernando Verdasco fell in five to Nadal, who proved his mettle as a number one seed. Still, the skeptics reigned. Federer would certainly put an end to the grass court specialist. Not quite! In the finals, Rafael Nadal claimed an emotionally draining five set win over his storied rival. His mental toughness and conditioning will never be challenged again. This 22 year old knows how to win and how to commit to victory. The world’s best tennis player is unquestionably the 2009 Australian Open Champion, Rafael Nadal. Serena Williams USA’s Serena Williams defeated Russia’s Dinara Safina by 6-0, 6-3,to lift Women’s Title The 2008 Champion, Maria Sharapova succumbed to her shoulder injury and had to withdraw from the tournament. The Women’s Draw did not feature a defending champion.

The world’s top-ranked player, Jelena Jankovic , had never won a Grand Slam event. Lately she seemed more intent on re-building her luster than her tennis game. Critics questioned her commitment. The 2008 Australian runner-up, glamour girl, Ana Ivanovic , had not won in months, had not trained well and was spending a great deal of time in front of the modeling cameras. On top of that, she had not addressed her service dilemma. She looked shaky in the opening round and critics correctly wrote her off pronto. Number three seed, Russian Dinara Safina had never won a Grand Slam. Despite her new training regimen and slimmed down physique, Dinara was regarded as a nervous performer. Second seeded Serena Williams was installed as the bookmaker’s favorite, but she would have to play through her sister, Venus. And, Venus had been playing well in recent tune-ups. Russian Elena Dementieva was seeded second, but had not won a major. She was pretty and stroking the ball well, but did she know how to win? Certainly not like the two Williams sisters she would have to play through to reach the finals.

Amazingly, the door crept open when Venus inexplicably lost to soft-baller Carla Suarez Navarro. But, that still left the hard-hitting tourney-tested betting favorite, Serena Williams. Serena marched through them all. She battled the weather, overcame some erratic play and championed the tournament in a ridiculously easy final over Dinara Safina, who beat a lot of players but came up very short against the American powerhouse. Serena is once again The Queen and world’s top ranked player. Who really doubted that? Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan USA’s Twin Brothers Mark Bryan and Bob Bryan defeated Mahesh Bhupathi of India and Bahamian Mark Knowles in a fierce three set final 6-2, 5-7, 6-0 to win the Double’s Title Number One seed Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjic went down in the second round. The second seeded Bryan brothers immediately became the tourney favorites. The American team knows how to win. They seized the momentum and swept into the finals. Waiting for them in the finals was third seeded Mahesh Bhupathi and Mark Knowles, who cruised through the first set only to come up well short at the end.

The Bryans claimed their seventh Grand Slam doubles title and emerged as the world’s top ranked team. Women’s Doubles – Serena Williams and Venus Williams USA’s Serena Williams and Venus Williams defeated Ai Sugiyama of Japan and Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia by 6-3, 6-3 to win Women’s title Who ever doubted that 10th seeded Serena and Venus would get to the doubles finals? The two fashion gurus play great tennis too! They dress like champions, play like champions and win like champions. With their convincing win over Ai Sugiyama and the gorgeous Daniela Hantuchova, the Williams claimed their 8th Grand Slam Doubles Championship. American swept the Men’s and Women’s Doubles. Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupati India’s Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupati defeated France’s Nathalie Dechy and Israel’s Andy Ram by 6-3, 6-1 to lift the Mixed Double’s Title 22 year old Indian Sania Mirza teamed with countrymate and business manager Mahesh Bhupathi to earn her first Grand Slam Trophy.

The team was the runner-up in 2008 and looks poised to challenge for all Grand Slam titles this year. Bhupathi is the world’s master doubles player and the striking Mirza is a willing protégé. What an event! What a year! Congratulations to all 2009 Australian Open competitors. Visit betting site for betting on Australian Open and other tennis tournaments and get free bets .

US Open men's final: Live Report US Open men's final: Live Report AFP Sports with Susan Stumme in Washington Share View photos Novak Djokovic celebrates after defeating Roger Federer at the US Open final at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York on September 13, 2015 (AFP Photo/Jewel Samad) More New York (AFP) - 03:12 GMT - Djokovic wins second US Open, 10th Grand Slam title - AFP IS NOW CLOSING THIS LIVE REPORT after Novak Djokovic won his second US Open title -- and 10th Grand Slam crown -- with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Roger Federer, who was thwarted in his quest for a record sixth championship at Flushing Meadows. The 28-year-old world number one withstood a punishing barrage of shots from the 34-year-old Federer, who had hoped to become the oldest champion in New York in 45 years. The win left the world's top two players -- who have played each other 42 times -- with a perfectly even split of 21 wins apiece.

The win gave Djokovic his third Grand Slam title of the year. It came after a three-hour rain delay -- meaning the players did battle under the bright lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium, adding to the electric atmosphere. Read on to find out how today's final, which lasted three hours and 20 minutes, unfolded -- and thanks for checking out our live report! 02:57 GMT - 'Tremendous respect' - Djokovic expresses his "tremendous respect" for Federer, saying: "I have to share my admiration for Roger and everything he is doing for tennis. He's still improving." He says the 2015 season -- with three Grand Slam wins, only the French Open escaping him -- is "even sweeter" for him, now that he is a husband and father. Novak says, "I'm going to... enjoy this victory as much as I can." Djokovic is handed a check for $3.3 million for the US Open title and the champion's trophy. Red, white and blue confetti streamers cover the court.

02:50 GMT - 'Another great win' - At the trophy ceremony, Federer says he has had a "wonderful last two weeks" at Flushing Meadows. "Being back in the finals is where you want to be," he says about his first appearance in the US Open championship match since 2009. "I thought it was a great match," he says. "Congratulations, Novak -- another great win." "I'll see you guys next year," Roger says to a crowd that was decidedly behind him throughout the match. 02:47 GMT - Rivalry for the ages - Novak and Roger have met 42 times. They now each have won 21 times. A perfectly even split. 02:45 GMT - Super Sunday for Djokovic - World number one Novak Djokovic has won his second US Open title and 10th Major, defeating crowd favorite Roger Federer in four sets, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4. The title is Djokovic's third Grand Slam championship of the year.

Shrugging off a three-hour rain delay at the start of the match, he shattered the 34-year-old Federer's bid to become the oldest US Open champion in 45 years and left him marooned on 17 Grand Slam titles. Federer -- the world number two, who last won a Major at Wimbledon in 2012 -- is courtside awaiting the trophy ceremony, looking decidedly forlorn. DJOKOVIC WINS SECOND US OPEN TITLE, BEATING FEDERER, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 02:32 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 6-4 5-4 FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer does not want to go out without a fight. He holds with a brilliant forehand passing shot, and now Djokovic will serve again for the championship. The noise is really something in the stadium. Novak is getting hardly any crowd support.

02:30 GMT - DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 6-4 5-3 *FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer is not done yet! He comes to net and finishes the game with a backhand volley. Roger is still down a break. He will serve to stay in the match. 02:24 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 6-4 5-2 FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Djokovic now has the double break and will serve for the match! Novak's coach Boris Becker and his wife Jelena are looking fired up now. 02:20 GMT - DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 6-4 4-2 *FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Djokovic holds. Federer wastes another break opportunity, missing a forehand wide. The match has hit the three-hour mark. Fun celeb watch: Bradley Cooper is sitting with Sean Connery.

02:14 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 6-4 3-2 FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer holds easily. We're getting down to the nitty-gritty now, as Roger needs to really start mounting a comeback to take this to a fifth and final set. 02:11 GMT - DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 6-4 3-1 *FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Djokovic holds and is three games from the championship. Federer's forehand seems to have abandoned him. In his box, wife Mirka (hands over her face) and coach Stefan Edberg are looking less than cheerful. 02:08 GMT - American takes boys' title - From my colleague Dave James: America has a champion at the US Open -- top-seeded Taylor Fritz wins the boys' singles title on Sunday by beating compatriot Tommy Paul in three sets.

02:07 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 6-4 2-1 FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer holds, but Djokovic is still up a break. 02:05 GMT - DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 6-4 2-0 *FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Djokovic consolidates the break when Federer sends a backhand up the line slightly wide. The pro-Federer crowd is somewhat muted, sensing that time is running out. Can the 17-time Grand Slam champ rally? 02:01 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 6-4 1-0 FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Djokovic breaks to open the fourth set. He is winning lots of the long rallies now. Federer sends a meek backhand into the net to end the game. Federer has never beaten Djokovic in five sets, according to ESPN.

01:56 GMT - Nail-biter - From WTA Tour player Monica Puig, on Twitter (@MonicaAce93): "Attention Federer and Djokovic... You guys are ruining my manicure! #NailBitingFrenzy" 01:54 GMT - DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 6-4 *FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - After saving two break points, Djokovic takes the third set! He now leads the match, two sets to one. Will Federer have the fire to come from behind to win in five, or will Novak claim his second US Open crown? Roger serves to open the fourth set, coming up. THIRD SET TO DJOKOVIC, 6-4. DJOKOVIC LEADS TWO SETS TO ONE 01:46 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 5-4 FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Djokovic shows some fire, battling twice to deuce and then breaking Federer. Novak now serves for the third set.

In the last game, cameras catch Robert Redford stifling a yawn. He'd better drink some coffee as we head for at least a fourth set and possibly a fifth. 01:41 GMT - DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 4-4 *FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Novak survives a pretty shaky game. Djokovic had run out to a quick 40-0 lead, but lost his focus, and Roger crept back into the game, battling back to deuce. Federer then had two break points, but could not convert. This is a true test of wills. Who will triumph? This match is FAR from over. 01:34 GMT - 'Match between friends' - Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro, who beat Federer in 2009 for the US Open title, on Twitter (@delpotrojuan): "A great Sunday and excellent match between friends" The tweet includes a photo of Del Potro pointing at his TV screen -- displaying the match.

01:32 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 3-4 FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer is winning his service games with ease. Each one is clocking in at about a minute, says my colleague Jim Slater. 01:30 GMT - DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 3-3 *FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Djokovic lets the first two points of the game go, but then rights himself, winning the next four. We are on serve in the third set at 3-all. An observation from my colleague Dave James: the hostile crowd shouldn't bother Djokovic. After all, he has played Davis Cup for Serbia in Croatia. 01:27 GMT - Fashionable crowd - From my colleague Dave James: Vogue editor Anna Wintour -- a major tennis fan -- is sitting with David Beckham. Yes, she is wearing her sunglasses at night. 01:26 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 2-3 FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer holds at love. Four very quick points.

Roger seems to be gaining confidence. ESPN analyst John McEnroe says it's essential for Federer to take the third set if he wants to contend for the title. 01:24 GMT - DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 2-2 *FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer breaks right back when Djokovic nets a backhand. We're even in the third. The gladiators of tennis are really slugging it out in Arthur Ashe Stadium. The match is just about at the two-hour mark. It's 9:24 pm in New York. 01:17 GMT - Roger's wicked game? - From former Wimbledon champ Pat Cash on Twitter (@TheRealPatCash): "Clever mind games from #Federer at the moment. Will it get in #djokovic's head? Very interesting at the moment." 01:16 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 2-1 FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Novak hangs on for the break.

Despite unleashing a barrage of hard ground strokes, Federer sprays a few wide, and the Serb world number one moves ahead. 01:12 GMT - DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 1-1 *FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer goes on the attack, but dumps two volleys into the net. Djokovic holds. We're at 1-all. The crowd is no longer even attempting to remain quiet during points, with plenty of oohs and aahhs as the players strike their ground strokes with authority. 01:07 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 0-1 FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer starts the third set strong, holding easily. 01:05 GMT - DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 *FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer breaks Djokovic to take the second set! Roger pumps his fist, and the crowd -- heavily biased in favor of Federer -- erupts. The final is a best-of-five-set match, so settle in, sports fans.

It's going to be an epic clash as the world's top two players battle it out for the title in Flushing Meadows. SECOND SET TO FEDERER, 7-5. MATCH TIED AT ONE SET ALL 00:58 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-6 FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Can Roger hold serve after that heart-stopping marathon game? Answer: yes. Djokovic will now have his back up against the wall again. He needs to hold to send the second set to a tiebreak. 00:55 GMT - DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-5 *FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - What a game! Novak fends off two break/set points for Federer and then closes out the marathon game when Federer sends the ball sailing out. The game goes to deuce seven times. The match is now more than 90 minutes old. 00:38 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 6-4 4-5 FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - It's not quite as easy, but Federer holds.

A monster overhead from Roger during the game earns cheers. Djokovic will now serve to stay in the set. 00:34 GMT - DJOKOVIC 6-4 4-4 *FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - This set is definitely to the servers -- no one has had much of a look to break in several games now. Novak holds, and back over to Roger. 00:31 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 6-4 3-4 FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer keeps up his dominance on serve in this second set, again holding at love. Djokovic nets a backhand return to end the game. 00:29 GMT - DJOKOVIC 6-4 3-3 *FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Djokovic continues to punish Federer's approaches to the net with pinpoint passing shots. Roger dumps a forehand into the net, and we are even at 3-all in the second set.

00:27 GMT - Courtside color - From my colleague Jim Slater, during the changeover: Roger changes his shirt, while Novak pulls out a new racket. Back on court. 00:25 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 6-4 2-3 FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer's serve seems to be improving, and he holds at love. Fun fact: the server has won the last 15 points. 00:23 GMT - DJOKOVIC 6-4 2-2 *FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Novak turns the tables on Roger's sneak attacks to the net -- with two beautiful lobs over his head. Djokovic holds at love, and we are at 2-all in the second. 00:21 GMT - Female chair ump makes history - Eva Asderaki-Moore of Greece is the first female to serve as chair umpire for the US Open men's singles final. Fun fact: it is also the first time at a Grand Slam that a woman has served as chair umpire for both the men's and women's singles final in the same year.

Marija Cicak, from Croatia, chaired Saturday's final between Italians Flavia Pennetta and Roberta Vinci, won by Pennetta. 00:19 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 6-4 1-2 FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer responds, holding at love. We're on serve in the second set. 00:18 GMT - DJOKOVIC 6-4 1-1 *FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Huge hold of serve for Djokovic. The Swiss world number two squanders his opportunity, failing to convert five break points. 00:10 GMT - 'SABR' attack - Again from my colleague Dave James: Federer has taken some heat, but also won an advantage, with his so-called "SABR" chip-and-charge attack on an opponent's second serve -- Sneak Attack by Roger. He first developed the play against Djokovic in Cincinnati last month. And he unfurls it in this match for the first time, and it's successful.

Federer says it is not against the rules of the game, but others -- including, it seems, Djokovic -- think it's less than kosher. "I haven't considered doing that," Djokovic said ahead of the match. "It's an exciting shot for him. For the player (on the) opposite side of the net, not so much." 00:09 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 6-4 0-1 FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer starts the second set right, holding serve -- but it doesn't come easy. The game goes to deuce twice before he converts. His first serve is still not very reliable. He earns roars from the crowd for two inside-out forehand winners during the game. But he'll need to step up his game to turn the tables on Novak. 00:02 GMT - DJOKOVIC 6 *FEDERER 4 (*Denotes upcoming server) - Djokovic takes the first set, 6-4. If he suffered any ill-effects from that nasty fall, he has shaken them off.

The 34-year-old Federer will now have to come from behind under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium if he wants to win his 6th US Open title. He will serve to open the second set. FIRST SET TO DJOKOVIC, 6-4 23:57 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 5 FEDERER 4 (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer fends off a set point and closes out the game with a service winner. Djokovic will now serve for the first set. 23:51 GMT - DJOKOVIC 5 *FEDERER 3 (*Denotes upcoming server) - Djokovic hits a forehand winner into the open court to hold serve. Federer now must hold to stay in the first set. Lots of mishits and miscalculations in the match so far. They may be the world's top two players, but Nole and Roger are showing some nerves here. 23:49 GMT - More celebs - Australian actor Hugh Jackman and supermodel Christie Brinkley are seen in the stands.

23:47 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 4 FEDERER 3 (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer is living on the edge -- he gives Djokovic another break chance and Novak does not let it slip, winning the game on a backhand passing shot up the line. Roger has been broken twice already in the set. 23:44 GMT - DJOKOVIC 3 *FEDERER 3 (*Denotes upcoming server) - The short medical break seems to have helped Novak. A much better service game from the Serb, and we are all tied up at 3-all. 23:41 GMT - Novak gets treatment - The trainer is on court to treat Djokovic's injuries. The elbow scrape looks particularly nasty. 23:39 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 2 FEDERER 3 (*Denotes upcoming server) - Djokovic still seems thrown by the fall. Roger takes advantage of his opponent's break in concentration, and wins the game at love. 23:38 GMT - DJOKOVIC 2 *FEDERER 2 (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer breaks back.

He is helped by a let-cord in the final point of the game. Djokovic is a bit rattled after taking a hard fall during the game, possibly because of a rain-slickened court. He now has bloody scrapes on his elbow and hand. 23:33 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 2 FEDERER 1 (*Denotes upcoming server) - We have the first break of the match. Federer seems to be having trouble finding the rhythm on his first serve, allowing Djokovic to tee off on second-serve returns. A long rally on the final point of the game ends with a Roger backhand sailing long. ESPN analyst John McEnroe predicts the cool evening conditions are hurting Federer more at the moment, making it difficult for Roger to generate pace on his ground strokes. 23:28 GMT - DJOKOVIC 1 *FEDERER 1 (*Denotes upcoming server) - Novak holds at love with some strong serving, as Roger tries to settle in.

23:27 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 0 FEDERER 1 (*Denotes upcoming server) - The players come out fighting, but both are a bit tight after the long rain delay. Federer saves three break points along the way, and eventually holds when Djokovic sends a backhand long. We're under way. US OPEN FINAL BEGINS, FEDERER SERVES FIRST 23:18 GMT - Sunday night lights - German player Tommy Haas on Twitter (@TommyHaas13): "In my opinion it should be a night match anyway. Under the lights in NYC, what else could us tennis fans ask for?" 23:15 GMT - Road to London - Djokovic and Federer have already qualified, along with Murray and Wawrinka, for the year-end ATP Tour Finals in London in November. The top eight players as of November 9 will compete in the event. 23:15 GMT - Coin toss - Federer wins the toss and has chosen to serve first. The players are now warming up. Federer is clad in white kit with pink trim. Djokovic has opted for a royal blue shirt and white shorts.

Thanks for sticking with me, and welcome to those just joining me. It should be an epic final. The buzz is heightened as now, it will take place at night under the bright lights at Arthur Ashe, with temperatures on the cool side. The crowd is roaring. 23:12 GMT - Major rivalry - With this 42nd head-to-head battle, Djokovic and Federer have met more times than any other two people in the Open Era except for... Djokovic and Nadal, who have played 44 times. Another key rivalry in the men's game? Djokovic's coach Boris Becker and Federer's coach Stefan Edberg met 35 times, according to tour statisticians. 23:11 GMT - Players on court - The players have taken the court! Federer: "It's been a bit of a wait. (...) It's nothing new for us," adding he's ready to "leave it all out on the court." Djokovic before the match: "This is the kind of match you work for your entire life. (...) I look forward to this final." 23:02 GMT - Opening ceremony begins! - Events at Arthur Ashe Stadium have begun!

Aloe Blacc is singing "America the Beautiful." Not long before Novak and Roger will be on the court. 22:59 GMT - 007 is here, skies clearing - Sean Connery -- who for many is the ultimate James Bond -- is in Arthur Ashe Stadium. And, wait for it, the rain seems to have stopped. Drying machines have left the court, my colleague Jim Slater tells me. Could the final finally be on the verge of happening? 22:52 GMT - Family men - Roger has four kids with wife Mirka, a former tennis player -- two sets of twins! Daughters Charlene and Myla were born in July 2009. Sons Leo and Lenny followed in May 2014. Nole became a father last year when son Stefan was born in October. His wife Jelena is always by his side. 22:42 GMT - It's raining men - Yep, you knew the stadium music masters would do it eventually. "It's Raining Men" -- that early 1980s dance classic from The Weather Girls -- is blaring from the sound system in Arthur Ashe Stadium, Jim Slater tells me.

22:36 GMT - Drying out - The drying machines are back on the court, as is tournament referee Brian Earley, Jim Slater tells me. Good signs. Start time now not before 7:00 pm (2300 GMT). One wonders what Roger and Novak are doing to pass the time and maintain their game faces... 22:34 GMT - Celeb watch - ESPN shows Robert Redford, enjoying a beer as he waits for play to begin. Also spotted, Queen Latifah, the rapper-actress-talk show host whose HBO movie "Bessie" -- in which she plays the title character, legendary blues singer Bessie Smith -- won several Emmys at the special Creative Arts Emmys ceremony on Saturday, including outstanding television movie. 22:28 GMT - One more record - From Jim Slater: if (When! Let's be optimistic) the final starts tonight, it will be the latest start ever for a US Open men's final. 22:17 GMT - Squeegee brigade - A team of workers clad in white outfits and wielding squeegees are working to dry the court. Jim Slater says a cheer went up from fans as they began working.

So, no play before at least 6:45 pm (2245 GMT), according to ESPN, as the team works. Stay tuned! 22:06 GMT - Optimistic ESPN - ESPN looks more like the Weather Channel right now -- radar images up on the screen, showing thick bands of showers. Broadcasters are expressing optimism that the final will eventually be played tonight. ESPN analyst Brad Gilbert talks on how the change in weather affects the players: "The court will play a bit slower... I think Djoker will like that." But Gilbert, a former pro who reached a career high world number four ranking, says the long delay affects both players in that their eating habits could be thrown off. 21:53 GMT - Stormy skies - Start time again delayed -- it now will not begin before 6:15 pm (2215 GMT). I am sure the delays are frustrating, but please be sure to keep checking in with me. We are ready to bring you the final in full as soon as the skies over New York clear up.

21:48 GMT - Roger a 'solid guy' - My colleague Dave James is in the stands of Arthur Ashe Stadium, anxiously awaiting the start of the match like everyone else. He has met two young Serbian women who say they are nevertheless cheering for Federer. One tells him, "Federer is a solid guy and there's just something about Nole." Tennis loyalties transcend borders, it seems. 21:43 GMT - Raindrops keep falling - So, there is just enough light rain to keep the players off the court. Latest best guess, from tournament officials: not before 6:00 pm (2200 GMT). ESPN is filling the time with a repeat of Serena's stunning semi-final loss to Italy's Roberta Vinci in three sets. Another Italian, Flavia Pennetta, defeated her long-time friend Vinci in straight sets on Saturday for the US Open women's singles title, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 -- and promptly announced that she would retire at year's end.

21:37 GMT - Impressive records - Since turning pro in 2003, Djokovic has racked up 54 career singles titles, including his nine Slams -- five Australian Open titles, three Wimbledon crowns and the one US Open title in 2011. So far, French Open glory has eluded him. Federer, who has 87 singles titles to his name since he joined the tour in 1998, is looking for Grand Slam number 18. He claimed at least one Major title in eight consecutive years, from 2003-2010. He has won seven Wimbledon titles, five US Opens, four Australian Opens and one title at the French. 21:28 GMT - Last men standing - Djokovic has now joined Federer and Australian legend Rod Laver in an exclusive club -- they are the only men to have reached all four Grand Slam finals in a single season. Laver twice won the Grand Slam of all four titles in a single calendar year -- the achievement that eluded Serena Williams here. He did it in 1962 and again in 1969. 21:22 GMT - And...

more waiting - Match time update: not before 5:45 pm (2145 GMT). Don't go anywhere -- the final WILL happen and Team AFP is ready to bring it to you! 21:19 GMT - Good musical karma? - Stadium speakers are blaring "Abracadabra" by the Steve Miller Band, Jim Slater tells me. Perhaps they are hoping a magic spell will stop the rain? 21:17 GMT - On this day (part 2) - More fun facts from Jim Slater about this day in US Open history: On this day in 2010, Rafa Nadal beat Djokovic to win the title -- and completed a career Grand Slam in the process, meaning he had won all four Majors. In 2009, Kim Clijsters won the title in only her third tournament back after a two-year break to start a family. And in 1970, Margaret Court beat Rosie Casals, 6-2, 2-6, 6-1, to complete her calendar Grand Slam. 21:10 GMT - On this day...

- On this day in US Open history, from my colleague Jim Slater: In 1964, Maria Bueno took only 25 minutes to win the most lopsided women's final, beating Carole Caldwell, 6-1, 6-0. And then in 66 minutes, Roy Emerson beat Fred Stolle in the men's final. That's a total of 91 minutes. This match now won't start before 530 pm -- meaning at least a 90-minute rain delay. Enough time in 1964 for both finals to be played! Just a bit of fun with figures as we await this great showdown between the world's top two players. 21:05 GMT - Fingers crossed! - The drying machines are back on stadium court. Here's hoping the rain has left for good this time! 21:04 GMT - One for the... aging? - If Federer wins today, he will be the oldest champion in New York in 45 years -- since Australia's Ken Rosewall took the title in 1970 at age 35.

Roger is looking to turn back time to channel the form he had during his five-peat -- he ruled Flushing Meadows from 2004-2008, taking home five consecutive US Open titles. 21:01 GMT - Here comes the rain again - As the Eurythmics song goes, here comes the rain again. Jim Slater says fans are taking cover once again. Hopefully the final shower! Match pushed to 5:15 pm (2115 GMT) at the earliest, Jim says. 20:58 GMT - Becks alert - David Beckham in the house! After attending his wife Victoria's spring-summer 2016 show for New York Fashion Week, the retired English football icon has been spotted in Queens at Arthur Ashe Stadium. 20:52 GMT - Hashtag alert - If you want to join the conversation on Twitter about the match, use the hashtags #USOpen and #FedvNole. 20:49 GMT - The net is up! - Jim Slater reports that the net is up and the drying machines are making their final passes. Hoping to see Novak and Roger on court very soon.

20:43 GMT - Hingis/Mirza for the win - Martina Hingis may have retired from singles competition on the WTA Tour, but she is certainly a major presence on the doubles circuit. Before the men's final, the 34-year-old Hingis added to her Grand Slam haul by winning the women's title in straight sets with India's Sania Mirza over Casey Dellacqua and Yaroslava Shvedova. It was their second consecutive Grand Slam title after winning at Wimbledon. The Swiss veteran had already won the mixed doubles title with Mirza's compatriot Leander Paes -- their third Slam of 2015. 20:36 GMT - Start time: not before 2100 GMT - ESPN says the players will not venture onto the court before 5:00 pm (2100 GMT). Hang in there -- this is the last finals rain delay we will ever see at the US Open. 20:34 GMT - Drying out - From Jim Slater: the drying machines are now being moved onto stadium court! 20:32 GMT - Who wins the Twitterverse?

- Djokovic (@DjokerNole) has 4.63 million followers. His last tweet? A short video of a doubles match he played with some wheelchair tennis stars, posted a day ago. Federer (@rogerfederer) has 3.66 million followers. His last tweet is actually a retweet -- a photo of a mob of fans watching him give an interview to tennis great Mats Wilander for Eurosport over a week ago. 20:28 GMT - Roof -- coming soon - As of next year's US Open, rain-delayed finals will be a thing of the past, as a retractable roof will be operational on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Jim Slater tells me that the new superstructure already in place is providing some relief from the rain for those with upper-deck seats. Most of the spectators in the lower levels have taken shelter, though a few hard-core fans are seated, umbrellas over their heads. Fun fact: The men's final was pushed to Monday every year from 2008-2012 because of weather. 20:25 GMT - The wait continues...

- Rain delay update: Dave James tells me the match will not begin before 4:45 pm (2045 GMT). Stay with me though -- tons of fun facts to share, news from the stadium, et cetera. Don't go away! We will bring you all the action as soon as the match begins. 20:19 GMT - Big Apple clashes - Federer is 3-2 lifetime against Djokovic at the US Open, including a victory in the 2007 championship match. But Djokovic -- Nole to his fans -- won the last two meetings, in the 2010 and 2011 semi-finals. Both of those contests went the distance to five sets. This is Djokovic's sixth trip to the final in Arthur Ashe Stadium, but he only won it once, in 2011. 20:13 GMT - Tight security - From Dave James: The NYPD is out in full force at the National Tennis Center, with officers at entrances, some with sidearms and others carrying rifles. Mounted police and K-9 units are also on the scene.

20:09 GMT - Rain delay - Dave James tells me that the match will not start before 4:30 pm (2030 GMT) because of the slight rain. The anticipation builds! 20:05 GMT - Andy fans? - A bit of color from Dave James in the stadium: among the fans filing in are three all wearing white headbands with 'Andy' inked on them. Sadly for them, Murray -- the 2012 champion -- was knocked out in the fourth round by Kevin Anderson. Upstairs at the Champions Bar, there's a reminder that tennis isn't the only game in town, with giant TV screens showing the New York Jets beating the Cleveland Browns over in East Rutherford on the NFL's opening weekend and the closing stages of a New York Yankees win over the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. Dave says the bar is filling up as the rain falls.

20:01 GMT - Big Four - My colleague Dave James (@DaveJamesAFP) provides this fun fact: since the 2005 French Open, the "Big Four" of Djokovic, Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray have accounted for 39 of 43 Grand Slam titles, factoring in Sunday's winner. 19:59 GMT - Celebrity watch - The stars love Flushing Meadows. So far spotted by ESPN's cameras: Robert Redford, Los Angeles Clippers star Blake Griffin and Julianna Margulies, star of television's "The Good Wife." 19:57 GMT - And... drizzle - A few drops are falling in New York. To be seen if there is a rain delay. 19:55 GMT - Big payday - The winner of today's match will earn a cool $3.3 million. The runner-up will take home a not-too-shabby $1.6 million. 19:52 GMT - Easy path to finals - Both men reached the final with decisive wins. Djokovic crushed defending US Open champion Marin Cilic of Croatia in the semi-finals, 6-0, 6-1, 6-2.

Federer easily bested Wawrinka, 6-4, 6-3, 6-1. Federer has not dropped a set en route to the final, making it look easy in earlier rounds against tricky opponents such as wily left-handed Frenchman Richard Gasquet and big-serving American John Isner. Djokovic has had to play a bit more tennis, dropping a set to Roberto Bautista Agut in the fourth round, and another to Feliciano Lopez in the quarterfinals. 19:50 GMT - Eye of the Tiger - My colleague Jim Slater (@gymslater) tells me the crowd is getting excited, as Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger" blares from Arthur Ashe Stadium ahead of the national anthem ceremony. Weather report: dark clouds over New York, but forecasters say the rains should hold off. Bit of a breeze out there, Jim says, but none of the heat and humidity that plagued players at the start of the tournament. 19:48 GMT - What's at stake? - The world number one Djokovic, 28, is looking to put some extra shine on an already sparkling 2015.

He won the Australian Open and Wimbledon, and lost in the French Open final to Federer's countryman Stan Wawrinka. He is going for his 10th Major title. At 34, Federer is looking to seize an 18th Grand Slam title, adding to his place in the history books -- and looking to avenge a loss to Djokovic at Wimbledon earlier this year. This is his first US Open final since 2009. He has not won a Major since 2012. 19:45 GMT - Live from Flushing Meadows - WELCOME TO AFP's LIVE REPORT on the US Open men's final at Flushing Meadows -- a hotly-anticipated showdown between the top two players in the world, Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Roger Federer of Switzerland. The match -- which could see Federer rack up a record sixth US Open title, or see Djokovic win his third Major title of the year -- is due to start at Arthur Ashe Stadium shortly after 4:00 pm in New York (2000 GMT).

This is the 42nd career meeting between the two players, with Federer holding a slight edge at 21-20. This is also the pair's sixth clash of the 2015 season -- all in finals. So far, Djokovic holds a 3-2 edge, but Federer beat him in Cincinnati last month on hard courts. Reblog

Question: Who won the 2009 Australian men's tennis Open Championship?
Answer: Rafael Nadal