Andy Murray has become the first British man to win a Grand Slam title for more than 75 years after defeating Novak Djokovic in five sets to claim the US Open.
Murray beat his Serbian opponent 7-6 (12-10), 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2 in a match blighted by high winds, which caused numerous double faults and unforced errors on both sides.
After Djovokic came back from two sets down to level the match, Murray broke his opponent's serve in the first and third games of the fifth set to take a 3-0 lead which, ultimately, proved decisive.
Murray's victory at New York's Flushing Meadows makes him the first British male to win a Grand Slam since Fred Perry in 1936. He will earn almost £1.2 million for the achievement, and will rise to third in the world rankings - just one place behind Djovokic.
The victory comes just a month after Murray won gold at the Olympics by defeating world number one Roger Federer in straight sets at Wimbledon.
'Relief'
Speaking after the victory, 25-year-old Murray, who has previously lost four Grand Slam finals, said:
"It was incredibly tricky conditions and in the third and fourth sets, it was really tough because Novak is really strong and fights all the way. It was close to five hours. I have always had tough matches with him.
"Relief is probably the best word I would use to describe how I'm feeling just now. You do think: Is it ever going to happen?"
Murray also paid tribute to his coach Ivan Lendl, describing him as "one of the greatest. He has helped me through the tough times as have all of my team. It's the best feeling for me. I've had an unbelievable summer."
Runner-up Djokovic said: "Well, any loss is a bad loss. There is no question about it. I'm disappointed to lose the match, but in the back of my mind I knew that I gave it all. I really, really tried to fight my way back."
Despite his disappointment, Djokovic was full of praise for his opponent, saying: "It wasn't to be and I want to congratulate Andy on a first Grand Slam. He deserves it. I tried my best and I gave it my all. It was another tremendous match and I am proud to have been part of it. It went to the last moment."
Fellow Scot Sir Sean Connery and Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson were part of the live audience who witnessed the historic match.
Britain's Murray kisses trophy after defeating Serbia's Djokovic in the men's singles final match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New YorkReutersBritain's Murray reacts after defeating Serbia's Djokovic in the men's singles final match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New YorkReutersBritain's Murray embraces Serbia's Djokovic after defeating him in the men's singles final match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New YorkReutersBritain's Murray kisses trophy after defeating Serbia's Djokovic in the men's singles final match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New YorkReutersBritain's Murray raises trophy after defeating Serbia's Djokovic in the men's singles final match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New YorkReutersBritain's Murray raises trophy after defeating Serbia's Djokovic in the men's singles final match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New YorkReutersBritain's Murray reacts after defeating Serbia's Djokovic in the men's singles final match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New YorkReutersBritain's Murray waves after defeating Serbia's Djokovic in the men's singles final match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New YorkReutersBritain's Murray and Serbia's Djokovic hold their trophies after Murray defeated Djokovic in the men's singles final match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New YorkReutersBritain's Murray throws his racquet after defeating Serbia's Djokovic in the men's singles final match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New YorkReutersBritain's Murray reacts after defeating Serbia's Djokovic in the men's singles final match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New YorkReutersBritain's Murray celebrates after defeating Serbia's Djokovic in the men's singles final match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New YorkReutersBritain's Murray reacts after defeating Serbia's Djokovic in the men's singles final match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New YorkReutersBritain's Murray celebrates a point in the fifth set against Serbia's Djokovic during the men's singles final match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New YorkReutersBritain's Murray reacts after defeating Serbia's Djokovic in the men's singles final match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New YorkReutersSerbia's Djokovic falls during the men's singles final match against Britain's Murray at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New YorkReutersBritain's Murray returns to Serbia's Djokovic during the men's singles final match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New YorkReutersFans of Murray react as they watch his U.S. Open men's singles final tennis match against Djokovic in Dunblane, ScotlandReutersGirlfriend Kim Sears applauds during Andy's men's final match against Serbia's Novak Djokovic at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New YorkReutersBritain's Murray serves to Serbia's Djokovic during the men's singles final match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New YorkReuters
