MATCHES AGAINST FEDERER AND NADAL HAVE MADE ME THE PLAYER I AM: NOVAK

Novak Djokovic was thrilled to match Pete Sampras with a 14th Grand Slam title at the US Open on Sunday, but he said it’s Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal who have made him the player he is. “Pete Sampras is one of the biggest legends ever to play the game,” Djokovic said after earning a third US Open crown with a 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 victory over Juan Martin del Potro.

The victory puts Djokovic three Slam wins away from Nadal’s 17 and six behind Federer’s record 20. It will also see him rise to number three in the world behind Nadal and Federer -- the rankings again reflecting the “Big Three” status they have shared for so long.

Djokovic had tumbled down the rankings, slowed last year by an elbow injury and a loss of confidence that accompanied a 54-week title drought. Since bursting out of the slump with an unexpected Wimbledon title he has gone from strength to strength, adding a long-awaited Cincinnati Masters title to his resume before adding the US Open title to those he won in 2011 and 2015.

Djokovic faced neither of his greatest rivals en route to the title in Flushing Meadows. Djokovic would have relished taking on either -- or both, although he admits that early in his career that wasn’t always the case. “Maybe 10 years ago I would say I’m not so happy to be part of this era with Nadal and Federer,” he said. “Today I really am. I feel like these guys, rivalries with these guys, matches with Federer and Nadal, have made me the player I am, have shaped me into the player I am today. I owe it to

them.”