New York: Andy Roddick earned his first Grand Slam title, overpowering Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain 6- 3, 7-6 (2), 6-3 to win the US Open.

The fourth-seeded Roddick, backed by the game's top serve and impressive on-court patience, defeated the third-seeded Ferrero, who was playing his fourth match in four days on September 7.

The match ended with three straight aces by the American, lifting his totals to 23 for the final and 123 for the tournament.

Then he let his emotions flow, crouching at the baseline, covering his face with his hands and fighting tears. He climbed through the courtside photographers' pit and climbed into the stands for congratulatory hugs.

"It hasn't sunk in", Roddick said as he accepted his trophy and $ one million prize. "I came to this tournament so many times as a little kid and watched from way up there. I just can't believe it.''

It was Roddick's season-leading 19th straight victory, making him 37-2 since teaming with coach Brad Gilbert, Andre Agassi's former mentor, after a first-round exit at the French Open.

Roddick rises to a career-best No. 2 in the rankings, one slot below French Open champion Ferrero, and now leads the tour with six titles in 2003.

The most important one, of course, is the most recent, a championship at the US Open to put alongside the junior title he won at the National Tennis Centre only three years ago. Stefan Edberg is the only other person with boys' and men's US Open titles.

Agencies