The saga of Roger Federer’s most fascinating Grand Slam season produced a surprise ending on Monday night when he was caught from behind by Juan Martín del Potro, the huge-hitting 20-year-old Argentine, in the United States Open final.

Del Potro’s 3-6, 7-6 (5), 4-6, 7-6 (4), 6-2 victory put an end to Federer’s extended run of invincibility at the Open, depriving him of a sixth consecutive singles title and halting the momentum he had acquired by winning the French Open and Wimbledon.

Del Potro’s victory — the first by an Argentine man in New York since Guillermo Vilas won in 1977 — required 4 hours 6 minutes and left him lying flat on his back and crying with joy as soon as Federer’s last shot, a lunging backhand, had landed long.

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