It was defending champion Djokovic, though, who began the sharper and sealed the first set 7-6 as he hunted a third major title of 2016 and 13th of his career.

Wawrinka had begun to find his rhythm late in the opener, but by the second set he was in full swing giving his top-seeded opponent cause for concern.

Although Djokovic remained a serious threat, 31-year old Wawrinka held his nerve to see out the second set 6-4 and level matters in what had become an entertaining men’s finale at Flushing Meadows.

Wawrinka continued to pile the pressure on Djokovic and raced into an early 3-0 lead in the third to sound the warning bells of an upset.

Again Djokovic made a spirited comeback and another tie-break appeared on the cards, but Wawrinka made the important points count and he edged ahead eventually winning the third 7-5.

Wawrinka was even stronger in the fourth and won it 6-3 on his second match point to add the US Open title to his grand slam triumphs at the 2014 Australia Open and 2015 French Open.

The Swiss is now only missing top honours at Wimbledon in order to complete the prestigious career grand slam. (Euronews)