On Saturday world number one Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer to win the US Open. They’d played 41 times prior to this match, most recently at this year’s Wimbledon final, with Federer leading the head-to-head by the slightest margin: 21-20.

After 33-year-old Flavia Pennetta announced her retirement during the women’s trophy presentation Saturday, it was hard not to speculate about the 34-year-old Federer’s future. In the end, Djokovic handled everything in a thrill-a-minute final on a frenetic night. I’ve got a lot of passion. But he added on court to fans: “I’ll see you guys next year”.

When Federer and Djokovic finally took to the court they were slow to find their rhythm and footing, particularly the top-seeded Serb, who crashed to the surface in the opening set and badly scraped his arm and leg. I’m able to be, you know, consistent, very consistent.

“Hopefully, this approach will give me longevity and I can have many more years to come and many more opportunities to fight for these trophies”. “I should never been down in the score the way I was”, he told a news conference. I’m playing good tennis.

Federer was bidding to become the oldest champion in New York since 35-year-old Ken Rosewall in 1970. “I had a wonderful last two weeks”.

I feel more complete as a player today than I was in 2011.

It was his seventh triumph in the American Midwest, achieved by beating Andy Murray and Djokovic in the semi-finals and final respectively. “We pushed each other to the limit”, Djokovic said, “as we always do”.

“I think it was the right game plan”, Federer said.

“It’s definitely one of the biggest rivals I ever had in my life, ” Djokovic added. Year’s not over yet. Then Roy Emerson at 12, and Rafa Nadal and Pete Sampras with 14, just below Federer. Federer insisted he would be back to try again in 2016.

“It has been an incredible season, the second best of my career only behind 2011″, said Djokovic, who noted one major difference. “We still have a few tournaments left though, and I look forward to competing in Beijing, Shanghai, Paris and London”.

By the time Federer was 28-August 2009-he already had 15 grand slam titles under his belt.

Federer reached two Grand Slam finals for the first time since 2009.