The Scot even surrendered
a two-set lead during a five-set thriller that lasted almost five
hours, before he regained his focus to win 7-6 (12-10) 7-5 2-6 3-6 6-2
in swirling winds at Flushing Meadows.
It proved to be fifth
time lucky for the Olympic champion, who -- like his coach Ivan Lendl --
had lost his previous four Grand Slam finals.
Murray will now replace the injured Rafael Nadal as world No.3 in the official men's rankings.
"They were incredibly
tricky conditions. It was really tough because Novak is really strong
and fights all the way," said Murray after the final.
"I have always had tough matches with him. I don't know how I managed to come through in the end."
With his support team in
New York swelled by fellow celebrity Scots, Manchester United manager
Alex Ferguson and actor Sean Connery, the 25 year old singled out Lendl,
a three-time U.S. Open champion, for praise.
"He was one of the
greatest," Murray said. "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."
Murray put the bitter disappointment of losing this year's Wimbledon final against Roger Federer behind him by taking the Gold medal at the London Olympics at the Swiss star's expense -- a result many believed could be a turning point in the Dunblane-born star's Grand Slam fortunes.
But it was never going to be easy on Monday night.
After narrowly losing
the first two sets, Djokovic proved why he was the 2011 champion in New
York, as he battled back to take the third and fourth sets with apparent
ease as far as the scoreboard was concerned -- but in reality both
players fought tooth and nail for every single point.
Though the momentum
appeared to be with Djokovic, Murray refused to give up and summoned his
earlier verve and aggression to put his visibly tiring opponent on the
back foot once again.
Not even a late pause
for treatment on the Serb's cramping leg could prevent Murray from
closing in on the prize British tennis has coveted for 76 years, much to
the delight of the crowd inside the cavernous Arthur Ashe Stadium.
When the final shot of
the match -- a rasping forehand from Djokovic -- went long, Murray was
left visibly stunned by his achievement. But he had finally overcome
lingering doubts about his mental fortitude when it mattered most.
Despite his own disappointment, Djokovic was quick to pay pay tribute to his great friend and rival.
"It wasn't to be and I want to congratulate Andy on a first Grand Slam. He deserves it," said the Serbian.
"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."
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