Federer beats Murray to win fifth U.S. Open

By Simon Cambers

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Roger Federer clinched his fifth successive U.S. Open crown and a 13th grand slam title with a 6-2 7-5 6-2 victory over sixth seed Andy Murray Monday.

The Swiss second seed breezed through the opening set and held off a Murray fightback in the second before wrapping up victory in one hour 51 minutes.

Federer, beaten twice by the Briton in their first three career meetings, become the first man since American Bill Tilden in 1924 to triumph five times in a row in New York.

The win was Federer's first grand slam title of the year, moving him to within one of the record 14 held by American Pete Sampras.

"It definitely feels great," a beaming Federer said in a courtside interview after hitting 36 winners. "This is a very special moment in my career.

"I had a couple of tough grand slams this year, finishing in the semi-finals and two finals, and one epic in Wimbledon, so to take this home is incredible. It means the world to me."

Murray, who shocked Spanish world number one Rafael Nadal in four sets in the previous round, had been bidding to become the first British man to win a grand slam since Fred Perry won the U.S. title in 1936.

The sixth-seed Scot, playing in his first grand slam final in blustery conditions on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court, saved one break point in the fourth game before holding for 2-2.