Stan Wawrinka has become the oldest US Open men’s champion in 46 years by defeating world number one Novak Djokovic to claim a third major singles title.

Wawrinka, the 31-year-old third seed, triumphed 6-7 (1-7), 6-4, 7-5, 6-3 after almost four hours of high-intensity tennis at Flushing Meadows.

The Swiss even held his nerve when the final threatened to erupt into controversy after Djokovic twice called medical time-outs in the fourth set.

Wawrinka is the oldest winner of the men’s tournament since 35-year-old Ken Rosewall in 1970, and the first over 30 to take the title since Pete Sampras in 2002.

It was his first New York title, following his breakthrough 2014 Australian Open triumph and 2015 Roland Garros crown.

On both those occasions, Djokovic had been the fall-guy, losing in Melbourne in the quarter-finals and ending as runner-up in Paris.

Djokovic, the 2011 and 2015 champion, had been seeking a third major of the year and 13th of his career.

But the 29-year-old Serb finished runner-up in New York for the fourth time after paying a heavy price for converting just three of 17 break points.

Stan Wawrinka celebrates with the US Open trophy. Photo: Getty

Djokovic, playing in his 21st major singles final and seventh in New York, was quickest out of the blocks to take the first set.

However, his ascendancy quickly faded, as an injury appeared to hamper Djokovic for the remainder of the match, allowing Wawrinka to take advantage and claim the following three sets.