Murray dream ended by
sublime Federer

The RBS ambassador defeated world number one Rafael Nadal in the semi-final and was aiming to become the first British male to win a grand slam since Fred Perry triumphed at the US Open in 1936. But Federer was at his brilliant best in the final, posting a 6-2, 7-5, 6-2 win in less than two hours.

"I had a great tournament but I came up against a great opponent. I got the better of him the last two times we played and he definitely set the record straight," said Andy.

"I've got a lot of improving to do if I want to win one of these tournaments. I love playing in front of this crowd. I've played three matches on Arthur Ashe (court), and it's been the best time of my life."

After wins over little-known Argentinian Sergio Roi and Frenchman Michael Llodra, the Scot came from two sets down to beat Austria's Jurgen Melzer.

He then hailed his straight-sets victory over 10th seed Stanislas Wawrinka as the best performance of his grand slam career before holding off the 17th seed Juan Martin Del Potro in a four-hour, four-set battle.

Federer's fifth consecutive US Open title moved him to within one win of equalling Pete Sampras's record of 14 major titles. For Andy, meanwhile, the run to the final has booked a place in prestigious Masters Cup for the first time.

The new world number four will join an eight-man field, that already includes the ATP's top trio of Nadal, Federer and Novak Djokovic for the elite tournament at Shanghai's Qi Zhong Stadium from November 9 to 16.

"I am having my best season ever and qualifying for Shanghai is a great reward. It was one of my goals at the beginning of 2008 and I look forward to competing there for the first time," said Andy, the first Briton to qualify for the circuit finale since Tim Henman in 2004.

Meanwhile, Jamie Murray and Liezel Huber suffered a 7-6, 6-4 defeat to Leander Paes and Cara Black in the final of the mixed doubles.