by Greg Heakes
NEW YORK, Sept 12 (AFP) - World number one Roger Federer didn't become the first Swiss man to win the US Open here on Sunday by taking anything for granted.
That's one reason why you will never see him planning any kind of victory celebration until the last ball has been called in or out and both players walk off the court.
"I think that is the wrong approach to plan something if I win or if I lose. I honestly don't know what I am going to do next," said Federer, who beat Lleyton Hewitt 6-0, 7-6, (7/3), 6-0 in one the most dominating performances in US Open finals history.
The 23-year-old Federer does plan to some time off - a well-deserved rest after winning his fourth major title in his past six Grand Slam tournaments.
"I'm exhausted," Federer said. "There is a chance I might even get sick because I already felt it the last two days you know.
"But that's just usual because I am very happy the pressure is off now because I have been focusing on this tournament for the last three weeks. I am happy it is over. I am happy I won it.
"The next two weeks are important to recover and get ready for the rest of the season so I don't get injured."
Federer is the first player to win back-to-back Wimbledon and US Open championships since Pete Sampras in 1995. And with the victory, the Swiss No. 1 improves his Grand Slam record since the 2003 French Open to 32-2.
Federer continues to set records with every fresh victory. He has won four Grand Slams, 20 career singles titles and won more than 12.4 million US dollars in prize money since turning pro in 1988.
"Every Grand Slam had something different," he said. "Wimbledon was my first Grand Slam win. Australian Open was my first tournament without a coach, just to see how things would be.
"And then defending the Wimbledon title was something I had never done. Now winning my first US Open - it puts an end to a great season."
Federer's four Slam victories so close together is the best performance since Pete Sampras won four of five Grand Slam tournaments between 1993-94.
Federer says there is a lot more for him to accomplish, like defending the Australian Open crown in January and winning his first French Open to complete a career Grand Slam.
"I hope I can keep it up as long as I can. Once I get sick and tired of everything and tired of the travelling or whatever. But you never know when that day will come," he said.
"Right now, I am enjoying my life. It is very busy. But travelling the world, being No. 1 in the world in tennis is not too bad. I want to stay a little longer."