2010 U.S. Open: King of all surfaces; Rafael Nadal wins Men's singles final
The 2010 U.S. Open came to a close as Spain's Rafael Nadal fist-pumped his way to victory by defeating Serbia's Novak Djokovic in a gruelling final that lasted over three and a half hours.
As the match kicked off, Nadal instantly exercised his authority by taking the first set six games to four. Enraged upon getting his serve broken, the Serb slammed his racquet on the ground (the irony of slamming a racquet at a grand 'slam') destroying it completely. Nevertheless, even though the two remained evenly contested in the second, Djokovic managed to take the set, seven games to five.
Rafa zipped through the third set to defeat Nole, six games to four, once again. As the professionals proceeded to the fourth set, Djokovic seemed to have lost it as he was acting rather, loony. Apart from which, he seemed to have been affected emotionally and had completely lost his spark. One would however, question his having any, in the first place.
Customarily, Nadal fell to the ground after clinching the championship point against Djokovic - And why wouldn't he? Not only did Rafa become the first Spaniard since 1975 to win at the U.S. Open, but the professional also came to be the third youngest player in the history of tennis and the youngest ever player in the Open era to win a career grand slam.
That however, certainly isn't all. Ranked no. 1 in the world, and rightfully so, Nadal also became the first professional since Australia's Rod Laver in 1969 to win the French Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Open - all in the same year.
As disappointed as Djokovic seemed to have been by himself, with a few words of praise, he congratulated Rafa during his speech. Similarly, Nadal asked the audience to give it up for the Serb as he had performed commendably.
Turns out that Lil' Wayne is pretty much tennis' 'Paul the octopus.' Currently in prison for gun possession, the celebrity made it a point to send out a letter with his predictions for this year's U.S. Open Championship.
The American-born rapper stated that he developed an interest for tennis after playing the game himself. Apparently, he found the sport ‘unbelievably’ difficult and has been drawn to it ever since.
In the words of the man himself, “I’m a huge fan of Nadal and I’m definitely rooting for him to win the U.S. Open.” Incidentally, Lil Wayne also listed 'Novak Djokovic' as one of Rafa's primary opponents.
Furthermore, he stated that he completely adored Russia's Maria Sharapova. However, he exclaimed that he was giving the edge to defending champion Kim Clijsters in the women’s singles draw, considering the fact that Serena wouldn't be making an appearance due to her foot injury.
Much to everyone's surprise, Lil Wayne was spot on with his predictions. Fortunately, both Rafael Nadal and Kim Clijsters came out victorious at the 2010 U.S. Open.
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