WORLD number one overcame a fine display from Andy Roddick to win his third successive title at the US Open in New York on Sunday. The Swiss won 6-2 4-6 7-5 6-1 to become the first man in the Open era to win three successive Wimbledon and US Open titles in the same years. After the first two sets were shared, both players had their chances with break points in a pulsating third. But Federer broke in game 12 to win it and raced to a ninth Grand Slam title. The 25-year-old moves past the likes of Andre Agassi and Fred Perry in the all-time list of Grand Slam winners and closer to Pete Sampras's record of 14 major titles. Federer is also the first man to win three consecutive US Opens since Ivan Lendl achieved the feat in 1987. Having already won the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year, and with a 10-1 career record against Roddick, it was no surprise when Federer started superbly. He raced 4-0 clear and, despite dropping serve in game seven, broke again to take the first set. Roddick has had a poor time over the last year but had improved recently under the guidance of new coach Jimmy Connors. And the American showed he was a tougher proposition when he broke immediately in the second set and used his huge serve to take the set. The match went up a level in a dramatic third set that saw Federer stretched as much as has been seen in the last three years at Flushing Meadows. Roddick earned four break points in game five but could not convert, netting a forehand on his best opportunity. The American then saved five break points in a spectacular following game and the belief surged through him. But Federer remained serene throughout and, like a true champion, raised his level when it counted, breaking with a backhand pass in game 12 to take the vital set. Roddick's resistance was finally broken and Federer rattled through the fourth, giving the 23,000 spectators a master class as he wrapped up victory in two hours 26 minutes. "I think you have to look at the tournament as a whole and I've played some great shots all the way," said Federer. "It's been absolutely fantastic. "I'm glad it all worked out because tonight was very difficult against Andy. I'm really happy to see him back at the top and I'm really happy to play against him." Roddick said: "It's been a rough year and the past two weeks make it all worthwhile."
