Federer Reigns Again

Roger Federer still is the king of Queens.He rolled to an historic fifth consecutive US Open title yesterday with a performance that should end any talk that he is on the decline.The Swiss star steamrolled Andy Murray of Britain 6-2, 7-5, 6-2 at Arthur Ashe Stadium, winning his 13th Grand Slam but the first for this year. Capturing this tournament made Federer the first player to have won five consecutive Wimbledon and US Open championships.It also allowed Federer to move within one major championship of tying Pete Sampras, who won a record 14.

Federer became the first player since Bill Tilden in the 1920s to win the tournament this many times in a row and turned in a vintage performance to do it. Federer's overriding emotions were joy and relief. After winning match point when Murray's forehand return hit the net, a euphoric Federer fell to the court.

Federer later hoisted the trophy and kissed it, relishing his feat after losing to current No1 Rafael Nadal in the French Open and Wimbledon finals. Then he celebrated in the players' lounge with family and friends over a glass of champagne.

Murray, 21, will climb to a career-best fourth following his break-out tournament.It came four years after winning the US Open junior trophy, the same year Federer claimed his first title here.

The Scot failed in his bid to give Britain its first men's Grand Slam title since 1936.Playing in his first major final, Murray seemed overmatched, but Federer said later he expected to see Murray in future slam finals.

Federer proved to be in a league of his own. Orleans's Still the One blared through the packed stadium before the trophy presentation and one fan waved a sign that read, 'Nobody Does it Bederer'. Federer improved his Grand Slam record to 162-25 and earned his third title of the year, but first on a hard court.

He won points on 79 per cent of his first serves and had a 36-33 winner-to-unforced-error ratio compared to Murray's 16-28.He converted seven of 10 break points, and 31 of 44 net shots.The closest set was the second, when Murray tied it at 2-2 and nearly broke Federer by taking a love-40 lead.Federer saved the first break point, and on the second Murray missed a backhand although TV replays showed one of Federer's shots during that rally should have been called out.
If it had, Murray would have taken a 3-2 lead.

It ultimately didn't matter because Federer had perhaps his most dominant showing this tournament. Federer said he hoped it led to the end of the letters people had written to his parents, suggesting he needed mental or physical help.''Things are not looking that bad like everyone is talking about. I can definitely go into the rest of the season more relaxed now.''

Its for sure Federer has sent in alarming bells for all his opponents.