Stan Wawrinka Stunned by His Own US Open Triumph

Stan Wawrinka admitted he had never expected to win the US Open title as he basked in his shock 6-7 (1/7), 6-4, 7-5, 6-3 triumph over Novak Djokovic on Sunday.

The 31-year-old Swiss became the oldest champion in New York since 35-year-old Ken Rosewall in 1970 and the first 30-plus player to hold the trophy since Pete Sampras in 2002.

But he also praised 12-time major winner Djokovic, the 2011 and 2015 champion, for helping him raise his game.

"Novak, you're a great champion, a great person, because of you I'm where I am today. I'd like to congratulate you on everything you have done," Wawrinka said at the presentation ceremony.

"It's amazing. I came here without the goal of winning it, but I stepped on the court trying to win the match.

"I played a lot of tennis, I am completely empty."

Wawrinka, who had also defeated Djokovic in the French Open final in 2015 from a set down, had saved a match point in his third round win over Dan Evans.

He had also played nine hours' more tennis than Djokovic to reach the final.

"My goal is to give everything I have to be the best I can. I never had a goal to win a Grand Slam but I am trying as best I can," said Wawrinka who now has three majors to his name.

He also saved a thought for the victims of the 9/11 attacks with the final played on the 15th anniversary of the atrocity.

When @stanwawrinka faces No. 1 in a Slam final, he wins. Takes #usopen crown vs. #Djokovic: https://t.co/YHsO44yF74 pic.twitter.com/pFOw18mNbv

- US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 12, 2016

"One last thing, today has been a big battle on the court but there is a bigger thing so I just want to remember what happened 15 years ago."

Djokovic said Wawrinka was a deserving champion.

"This has been absolutely deserved today. You were the more courageous player in the decisive moments and you deserve the title."

Stan's #usopen Plan = ??

???? @stanwawrinka pic.twitter.com/did73v8uN1

- US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 12, 2016