In an inspired "I've-got-something-to-prove" performance, he put to rest all thoughts of what he was and indicated what he still has. He did it by giving Andy Murray a 6-2, 7-5, 6-2 lesson in 1 hour, 50 minutes in the men's U.S. Open final.
With the victory, he moved one win short of Hall of Famer Pete Sampras' record of 14 major titles. Even more fitting, he did it on the day (Sept. 8) Sampras won his last U.S. Open.
For the first time in 21 years, rain moved the men's final from its traditional Sunday showcase to a Monday time slot before the NFL took over primetime viewing. In 1987, Ivan Lendl, appearing in his sixth consecutive final won his third straight title, defeating Mats Wilander. As impressive as this was, Federer put on a better show.
As he had done in the semifinals against Novak Djokovic — also, in very windy conditions on Arthur Ashe Stadium court — Federer began the match serving and took the first game without losing a point. Following the Djokovic formula, he earned an early break and closed out the first set as if Murray was still on the practice court.
In the second, also like the Djokovic affair, he hit a rough patch, but righted the ship and moved into the third set, up 2-0. He stumbled attempting to serve for the championship. Murray, who had held serve after having been down 5-0, broke back, but then Federer regained his balance. When Murray slapped a forehand into the net, he did the Roger roll and exalted.
Five straight!
I said after his win against Djokovic that Federer was playing like the Roger of old, and that was the case again Monday. He was a mathematician, matching 33 unforced errors against 36 winners. More telling was him converting 7-for-10 break-point opportunities and collecting a total of 94 points. Having beat Rafael Nadal in the semifinals, Murray's numbers weren't as impressive. Of course, that's because Federer wasn't allowing him to dictate as he had against the leg-weary Spaniard. Murray's totals were 28 unforced errors, a scant 16 winners and a conversion of 2-for-5 on break opportunities. In short, he earned 68 points for the match.
And yes, after his performance against Juan Martin Del Potro and Nadal, I touted him — but, I also said I never pick a winner — to win. He has carried the "The Next Tim" burden, since Tim Henman, the British standard bearer, retired.
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