New York - Argentine Juan Del Potro secured his tennis dream at age 20 with a 3-6, 7-6 (7-5), 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2 defeat of five- time champion Roger Federer Monday to lift his first Grand Slam title with victory at the US Open. The sixth seed, who said he had hoped since childhood to claim the honours at Flushing Meadows, withstood an assault from the top seed in just over four hours of struggle to end the weather-plagued major a day late for the second straight year.
Federer, who exploded at one point against chair umpire Jake Garner with an obscenity when he thought extra time was being given to Del Potro to challenge a line call, lost his bid to become the first man in the modern game to win six titles at the same event.
"I wasn't allowed to challenge after two seconds. The guy takes, like, 10," said Federer. He later added: "Don't tell me to be quiet, OK? When I want to talk, I talk. I don't give a ... what he said."
Del Potro, ranked sixth, is the first South American to win the New York title since compatriot Guillermo Vilas claimed the trophy on clay 32 years ago.
"This is a dream," said the winner. "This is something I have always thought about. To win my favourite Grand Slam is just unbelievable."
The victory was the first for the youngster over Federer, who came to the court with a 6-0 record in the series including half of those wins this season.
The winner will return to his career-best ranking of fifth while Federer stays number one.
The pair finished almost dead-level on winners, 57 to 56 in Del Potro's favour, while the Swiss legend fired 13 aces to eight by his opponent. Federer had 62 unforced errors to 60 for the South American in the match.
Federer's frustration mounted as his game couldn't withstand the pressure of Del Potro's forehand, with the top seed's composure falling apart in a rare display of temper. Federer got as close as two points from a 16th Grand Slam title.
The loss was the first for Federer at the US Open since 2003 and marked only his fifth in New York against 51 wins. His record in Grand Slam finals stands 15-6.
Del Potro's previous best showing at a Grand Slam was the semi- finals at this year's Roland Garros, where he lost to Federer.
