Awesome Roddick claims US Open title

Andy Roddick blasted high-powered serves with pinpoint accuracy to capture his first Grand Slam crown at US Open.

America demanded a champion, Andy Roddick stepped up to the plate. With the sun setting on Flushing Meadows he battered Juan Carlos Ferrero into submission on Sunday to win his first grand slam crown at the US Open.

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His 6-3 7-6 6-3 victory was a triumph of bone-rattling power which shattered the metronomic consistency of the new world number one.

It also served as notice that the man they call `A-Rod' is ready to step into the shoes of Pete Sampras and lead a new generation of Americans to grand slam glory.

After pounding down a 23rd ace on his first match point, the 21-year-old held his head in his hands and simply sobbed.

With tears rolling down his cheeks he gazed, glassy-eyed, around the howling New York crowd, screaming for their new champion.

He fell, crying, into the arms of his coach Brad Gilbert before heading off to kiss actress girlfriend Mandy Moore and his mother Blanche.

"It hasn't sunk in yet ... I don't think you could have written the script any better, starting with Pete's retirement," said Roddick, who takes the title left vacant by Sampras when he confirmed his retirement on the opening evening of the season's final grand slam.

"With the crowd here... I'm playing for everybody. They're living and dying each point with me. It's just... it's too good.

"You know, I can't imagine my name and US Open champion together. It's more than I could ever dream of. For years I came to this tournament and just watched from way up there.

"I'm in absolute disbelief right now. I have my friends and my family here. I couldn't have a better day."