With the US Open done and dusted, the Grand Slam season is now complete for another year. As play heads into the final quarter of 2015, what do the results mean for the two men who battled for the title as their seasons and careers advance?

Despite some work left to do before the year’s end, the US Open title has already capped one of the great seasons in tennis history for Novak Djokovic. With his title at Flushing Meadows, he has won seven titles, including three majors and four Masters. He currently holds a 63-5 record for the year with less than three months remaining.

If one could fly under the radar with these impressive results, Djokovic has done so for much of 2015. Thanks in part to the tremendous season Serena Williams put together, the hype aimed at him was somewhat blunted until after New York. But when the dust settles on the year, Djokovic’s season will be equally if not more impressive.

The larger picture might just be the current separation that exists between Djokovic and the rest of the world. There is a nearly 7,000 -point gap in ranking points between the world No. 1 and U. S. Open runner-up Roger Federer, who is currently ranked second. Djokovic’s success may lie in his ability to take an opponent’s best shot on court yet remain unflappable, keeping his poise while managing temporary setbacks and focusing on the goal at hand. These are all tell-tale signs of a champion’s confidence that he now possesses. He carries this confidence into every match and expects the result to be a victory regardless of his opposition.

Many, including myself, felt that the US Open was Federer’s best chance for an 18th major title in some time. After all, he entered New York having defeated Djokovic for the title in Cincinnati, and the Serb clearly did not play his best tennis during the run-up to the final major. And that sentiment continued during the fortnight as Federer breezed through his half of the draw without facing a serious challenge. Unlike in seasons past, he entered the finals playing well, rested and energized.

But to underscore the level on which Djokovic currently resides, it was clear from the start that he was in control of the final. Without massive support from the crowd that lifted Federer, he very well may have won in straight sets. And while Federer did not play his best, it was Djokovic who would force one of the all-time greats into uncharacteristic mistakes as he reduced his margin of error by controlling points with precise, pressuring strikes.

Now with 10 major titles, just 28 years of age, and at the top of his game, it is reasonable to think that Djokovic could reach the perch where Federer currently resides in several years. Barring injury, practical thinking would suggest that there are a number of major titles yet to acquire. In five or six years, will it be Djokovic whom a frenzied New York crowd supports as he is considered in the debate for the greatest player of all time?

Meanwhile, it is nearly impossible to properly describe the impressive play of Federer at 34 years of age. In a young man’s sport, he has firmly claimed the spot of world No. 2 this season. And while he would likely not find satisfaction with just that, it is one of the great accomplishments in all of sports.

Federer does not need another major title in his trophy case to justify what has already been one of the greatest careers the sport has known. Impressively, he is not just playing tournaments without an expectation to win. The Swiss is clearly still competing with the intent of earning titles. While some veterans play only to accrue enough points to maintain their ability to enter ATP-level events, Federer realistically seeks greater success. And why not? Over the last several months, the Swiss has defeated Djokovic, Andy Murray (twice), Stan Wawrinka, Tomas Berdych, Richard Gasquet, and a number of other top-20 competitors. At this point in his career, it would appear that the one major obstacle consistently standing in his way of winning top-level events would be the No. 1 player in the world. And yet, despite losing in New York, he recently logged a win against him.

With these results, it would be understandable if Federer grew tired of the persistent retirement questions. He has made it clear that, as long as he can compete at a high level, enjoys playing, and remains injury-free, he will continue on. And given the results thus far in 2015, why would he consider leaving the game? Clearly a family man, Federer is in a unique position that allows his wife and children to travel to many events in support.

The 87-time ATP singles champion has been injury-free of late as well, which is an issue that plagues many veterans late in their careers. He has wisely managed events entered recently, allowing for proper preparation time as well as preserving energy levels and reducing wear-and-tear. Known for his work ethic and training, Federer appears to have a solid strategy for approaching a calendar full of events.

The Swiss star has won five titles thus far in 2015, including one Masters. He has an impressive 53-8 record and has clinched a spot in the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. Federer will likely compete in the Paris and Shanghai Masters as well as his home tournament in Basel prior to the season-ending championship in London.

 Clearly, one takeaway from the US Open final is how priceless each meeting between these two great champions is. The pair has combined for 27 major titles in arguably the greatest era of men’s tennis. Obviously, each has the utmost respect for the other before and after a match, and post-match presentations often seem somewhat awkward because of that. Nevertheless, tennis fans can only hope that there will be more encounters between these two, regardless of the result. And with the level of competitiveness shown during the recent two weeks in New York, it would only lead one to believe there are still a number of head-to-head battles remaining. Enjoy them, since it may be quite some time before an era featuring them, along with Rafael Nadal and Murray, will be seen again.