Andy Murray's road to the final

Murray first announced his presence to the fans at Flushing Meadows with a first round defeat of Sergio Roitman. Photograph: Lucas Jackson/Reuters

Murray beat the Argentine in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, 6-0. Photograph: Andy Lyons/Getty

The Scot was made to work slightly harder in the second round against Michael Llodra of France. Photograph: Andy Lyons/Getty

But the British No1 eventually completed a 6-4, 1-6, 7-5, 7-6 victory. Photograph: Andy Lyons/Getty

Murray needed five sets to beat the Austrian Jurgen Melzer in the third round. Photograph: Al Bello/Getty

But came from behind to out-muscle Melzer 6-7, 4-6, 7-6, 6-1, 6-3. Photograph: Al Bello/Getty

Murray found his best form of the tournament to cruise past Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka. Photograph: Matthew Stockman/Getty

Roger Federer's countryman was destroyed 6-1, 6-3, 6-3 by Murray. Photograph: Andrew Gombert/EPA

Murray faced the in-form Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro in the quarter-final, a player on a long winning streak. Photograph: Chris McGrath/Getty

But Murray went through in four sets, leaving Del Potro in tears in his press conference. Photograph: Scott Heavey/Action Images

Murray was drawn against the world No1 Rafael Nadal in the semi-final, a player he had never beaten before. Photograph: DON EMMERT/AFP

But Murray was two sets up when rain caused a postponement and wrapped up a 6-2, 7-6, 4-6, 6-4 victory to send him into his first grand slam final. Photograph: TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP

Roger Federer, the four-time US Open winner awaited Murray in Monday's delayed final. Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

Despite holding a 2-1 record against Federer, Murray struggled initially against the Swiss. Photograph: Chris McGrath/Getty

Murray fought back valiantly in the second set, but was unable to gain the decisive break he required. Photograph: Kathy Willens/AP

And Federer wrapped up victory in three sets, 6-2, 7-5, 6-2, leaving Murray to reflect on a magnificent run to the final. Photograph: Matthew Stockman/Getty