Victorious Federer has Sampras in his sights

NEW YORK: Roger Federer hoisted aloft the US Open trophy for a fourth straight year on Sunday after victory over Novak Djokovic before swiftly turning his gaze to Pete Sampras and the all-time record for grand slam titles.   

The victory was worth $2.4 million to the Swiss world number one, but the only figure Federer really cared about was moving his grand slam titles haul to 12 to tie Roy Emerson for second place on the all-time list, two behind Sampras.   

"I think about it a lot now, honestly," Federer, 26, said when asked about his quest to reign as the most successful grand slam winner in tennis.   

"In the beginning I felt pushed a little bit in the corner, because you don't win slams just like that. It's just too tough."

"I feel these two and a half weeks, it's so draining. I'm exhausted in the end."

"I know how tough it is. So to come so close already at my age is fantastic, and I really hope to break it."

Federer, who became the first man since Bill Tilden in the 1920s to win four US titles in a row, has also won five Wimbledons in a row, the only man to possess such a streak in the final two grand slams of the year.