New York ? Andre Agassi has battled the champions of three eras – Pete Sampras, Boris Becker, John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors, Ivan Lendl – and now he puts Roger Federer above them all.

“He’s the best I’ve ever played against,” Agassi said after falling to Federer, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (1), 6-1, Sunday in the U.S. Open final. “Pete was great. No question. But there was a place to get to with Pete. You knew what you had to do. If you do it, it could be on your terms. There’s no such place like that with Roger.

“He plays the game in a very special way that I haven’t seen before.”

Federer, a player of panache and unparalleled perfection in finals, withstood Agassi’s spirited upset bid to capture a second straight U.S. Open and sixth Grand Slam title.

Federer responded to his few moments of pressure by reeling off seven straight points in the tiebreak that turned the match around, then blew Agassi away in the fourth set to run his stunning record in finals over the past two years to 23-0. He has never lost in a major final.

“This is probably the most special Grand Slam final in my career,” Federer said. “To play against Andre in New York, it’s a dream.”

Federer moved into a tie with Becker and Stefan Edberg for Grand Slam titles among Open-era players, and one behind McEnroe and Mats Wilander. Sampras holds the record with 14 Grand Slam titles, but at 24 years old, Federer well could have a shot at that.

“That’s fantastic,” Federer said of tying Edberg and Becker. “Tying your idols – isn’t that great? It’s every boy’s dream, and I made it come true today in a memorable final.”

Federer, flattered by Agassi’s comments, shied away from pronouncing himself the best of all time.

“The best player of this generation, yes. Nowhere close to ever,” Federer said. “Just look at the records that some guys have. I’m a little cookie.”

Federer shrieked and leapt in the air when Agassi’s backhand return looped long on the championship point. The two men, who have the highest of respect for each other, shook hands warmly at the net.

“It’s been a tough road, but it’s been a great road,” Agassi told the cheering crowd. “Roger played way too good today. Congratulations Roger, well done.”

Though the 35-year-old Agassi was the oldest U.S. Open men’s finalist in 31 years, age had less to do with the difference in this match than Federer’s sheer strength, variety of serves, and superior balance of attacks from the baseline and the net that wore down Agassi.