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(CNN) -- Andy Murray became the first British man to win a Grand Slam final since Fred Perry in 1936 after defeating Novak Djokovic in the final of the U.S. Open.
The Scot even surrendered a two-set lead during a five-set thriller that lasted almost five hours, before he regained his focus to win 7-6 (12-10) 7-5 2-6 3-6 6-2 in swirling winds at Flushing Meadows.
It proved to be fifth time lucky for the Olympic champion, who -- like his coach Ivan Lendl -- had lost his previous four Grand Slam finals.
Murray will now replace the injured Rafael Nadal as world No.3 in the official men's rankings.
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"They were incredibly tricky conditions. It was really tough because Novak is really strong and fights all the way," said Murray after the final.
"I have always had tough matches with him. I don't know how I managed to come through in the end."
Andy Murray of Great Britain kisses the U.S. Open championship trophy after defeating Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the men's singles final match on Day 15 of the 2012 U.S. Open on Monday, September 10. Murray defeated Djokovic 7-6, 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2. Check out images from the Women's U.S. Open Final.
2012 U.S. Open Men's Final
With his support team in New York swelled by fellow celebrity Scots, Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson and actor Sean Connery, the 25 year old singled out Lendl, a three-time U.S. Open champion, for praise.
Fred Perry, winner of all four Grand Slams, poses with his trophy on September 12, 1936, after winning the men's singles against Donald Budge at what was then called the U.S. Championships. Not for another 76 years would another British man, Andy Murray, win a Grand Slam title. CNN looks at other momentous events that happened in 1936.
1936 in photos: When last British man won
"He was one of the greatest," Murray said. "He has helped me through the tough times as have all of my team. It's the best feeling for me, I've had an unbelievable summer."
Can Murray win first tennis grand slam?
Murray put the bitter disappointment of losing this year's Wimbledon final against Roger Federer behind him by taking the Gold medal at the London Olympics at the Swiss star's expense -- a result many believed could be a turning point in the Dunblane-born star's Grand Slam fortunes.
Andy Murray carries the Olympic torch
But it was never going to be easy on Monday night.
After narrowly losing the first two sets, Djokovic proved why he was the 2011 champion in New York, as he battled back to take the third and fourth sets with apparent ease as far as the scoreboard was concerned -- but in reality both players fought tooth and nail for every single point.
Though the momentum appeared to be with Djokovic, Murray refused to give up and summoned his earlier verve and aggression to put his visibly tiring opponent on the back foot once again.
Federer reflects on Wimbledon win
Not even a late pause for treatment on the Serb's cramping leg could prevent Murray from closing in on the prize British tennis has coveted for 76 years, much to the delight of the crowd inside the cavernous Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Wimbledon: Murray fans disappointed
When the final shot of the match -- a rasping forehand from Djokovic -- went long, Murray was left visibly stunned by his achievement. But he had finally overcome lingering doubts about his mental fortitude when it mattered most.
Despite his own disappointment, Djokovic was quick to pay pay tribute to his great friend and rival.
"It wasn't to be and I want to congratulate Andy on a first Grand Slam. He deserves it," said the Serbian.
"I tried my best and I gave it my all. It was another tremendous match and I am proud to have been part of it. It went to the last moment."
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Andy Murray of Great Britain celebrates after defeating Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the men's singles final match on Monday.
Andy Murray of Great Britain reacts after defeating Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the men's singles final match on Monday.
Andy Murray celebrates after gaining a point against Novak Djokovic on Monday.
Novak Djokovic reacts during his men's singles final match against Andy Murray.
Andy Murray of Great Britain reacts during his men's singles final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on Monday.
Fans of tennis player Andy Murray react as they watch his U.S. Open men's singles final match against Novak Djokovic in the bar of The Dunblane Hotel on Monday in his hometown of Dunblane, Scotland.
A fan of tennis player Andy Murray reacts as she watches his U.S. Open men's singles final match against Novak Djokovic in the bar of The Dunblane Hotel on Monday in Murray's hometown of Dunblane, Scotland.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts on court against Andy Murray of Great Britain during the 2012 U.S. Open men's singles final match on Monday, September 10.
Andy Murray returns a shot against Novak Djokovic on Monday.
Spectators inside Arthur Ashe Stadium watch the men's singles final match between Andy Murray of Great Britain and Novak Djokovic of Serbia on Day 15 of the 2012 U.S. Open on Monday, September 10.
Novak Djokovic returns a shot to Andy Murray on Monday.
Andy Murray of Great Britain celebrates getting set point after the first set during his men's singles final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on Day 15 of the 2012 U.S. Open on Monday, September 10.
Novak Djokovic drops to the floor as he returns a shot on Monday.
Andy Murray looks on during a break in his men's singles final match against Novak Djokovic on Monday.
Andy Murray reacts during his match against Novak Djokovic on Monday.
Novak Djokovic returns a shot against Andy Murray on Monday.
Andy Murray serves during his men's singles final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on Monday, September 10, day 15 of the 2012 U.S. Open.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns a shot at the 2012 U.S. Open on Monday.
Andy Murray of Great Britain returns a shot during his men's singles final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on Monday.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns a shot on Monday.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia serves during his men's singles final match against Andy Murray of Great Britain on Monday.
Andy Murray of Great Britain wipes his face with a towel during his men's singles final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on Monday.
Andy Murray of Great Britain returns a shot against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on Monday.
Edward VIII, pictured at the Canadian National Memorial at Vimy Memorial Ridge, France, in July 1936, ascends to the British throne on January 20, 1936, succeeding his father, King George V, upon his death.
The U.S. National Baseball Hall of Fame inducts its first members on January 29, 1936: Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, Christy Mathewson, Honus Wagner and Babe Ruth, pictured.
The Winter Olympic Games open on February 6, 1936, in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. Norwegian Ivar Ballangrud, pictured, won three gold medals (500m, 5000m and 10000m) and one silver medal (1500m) there.
German Nazi leader Adolf Hitler violates the Locarno Pact and the Treaty of Versailles on March 7, 1936, by sending German forces, seen here receiving flowers by well-wishers, to the demilitarized Rhineland.
April 19, 1936, marks the first day of the Great Uprising in Palestine. Begun as a general strike, the protest against Jewish immigration into Palestine -- and for national independence -- led to British troops, such as those pictured manning an armored train, being sent to keep order.
A group of soldiers from the army of Abyssinia (modern Ethiopia) is pictured with reinforced shields and rifles during the war with Mussolini-led Italy. Italy would take Addis Ababa and annex Abyssinia on May 9, 1936, after its emperor, Haile Selassie, flees.
Scarlett O'Hara runs through the street in this promotional poster for the book 'Gone With the Wind,' which is published on June 30, 1936.
Despite an emotional appeal by Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie, the League of Nations lifts sanctions against Italy on July 4, 1936. A banner in Italian-occupied Addis Ababa, pictured, reads: "To whom does the empire belong? Duce! Duce! To ourselves!"
The Triborough Bridge linking Manhattan, Bronx and Queens opens in New York City on July 11, 1936. Pictured here are cars exiting the bridge in Harlem.
The Spanish Civil War breaks out on July 17, 1936. Pictured are Republicans battling for the Alcazar in Toledo where rebels, ultimately saved by troops under Francisco Franco, were sheltered.
Nazi leader Adolf Hitler opens the Summer Olympic Games on August 1, 1936, in Berlin, Germany.
General Francisco Franco, named generalissimo or supreme commander a little more than a week earlier, is made leader of Spain's new Nationalist regime on October 1, 1936.
Hoover Dam begins generating electricity on October 9, 1936, harnessing water from the Colorado River for the benefit of Americans as far as Los Angeles.
U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, seated at right, is re-elected on November 3, 1936, in a landslide victory over Kansas Governor Alfred Landon, pictured greeting him.
Britain's King Edward VIII tells the nation he has abdicated to marry American socialite and divorcee Wallis Simpson, pictured, on December 11, 1936. His brother immediately succeeds him as King George VI.
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