Rafael Nadal finally triumphs in U.S Open
Spanish top seed Rafael Nadal defeated Serbia's Novak Djokovic in four sets, 6–4 5–7 6–4 6–2, to win the US Open final on Monday evening.
After rain had delayed the match for one day, Nadal emerged victorious after dropping his first set of the tournament, becoming one of seven players to have won all four Grand Slam titles.
"That's more than I dreamt," the world number one said before being handed the trophy. "It's just amazing to be here in this final, just to arrive in this final. To have this trophy here in a few seconds, with my hands, is going to be unbelievable."
Djokovic struggled to keep up
Nadal broke Djokovic's serve in the very first game after some entertaining rallies, but the Serb managed to repair his movement around the court to break back on level terms at 2–2 in the first set.
Just after, Nadal broke again, to the frustration of Djokovic, who picked up a warning for smashing his racket. With the Serb unnerved, Nadal played his defensive, anticipating game to see the set out comfortably, winning 6–4.
Djokovic regained his focus to break early in the second set, earning a promising 4–1 lead. At 4–2, it was the Spaniard who broke, and before the rain once again arrived at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, the second set was level at 4–4.
Play resumed after just over an hour, and Djokovic looked recharged as he hit some great, backhanded returns to win the second set 7–5.
At 1–1 in the third set, the third seed managed to defend three break points before slicing a forehand high into the stands as Nadal broke to 2–1.
With unbeatable placement, Nadal's service then held through the rest of the set as he won it 6–4. With the Spaniard persistently placing the ball in the corner, Djokovic found the high returns nearly impossible to hit with his backhand.
Easy fourth set for Nadal
By the fourth set, it seemed Djokovic's energy had been drained. Nadal broke once to 3–1, when the Serb's lacklustre double fault gave the Spaniard a 4–1 lead. The trophy was within reach.
Djokovic, in good spirits as he saw out what looked more and more like a certain defeat and held to 5–2, but that was all he could do.
The power of Nadal's forehand then forced Djokovic to drag his cross-court backhand wide, and the trophy that had always evaded the Spaniard had been won.
The tournament's runner-up showed great sportsmanship after the defeat and was quick to praise his opponent.
"Nadal is just proving each day, each year, that he's getting better, you know? That's what's a little bit frustrating," chuckled Djokovic. "He's getting better each time we play. He's so mentally strong and dedicated to this sport. He has all the capabilities, everything he needs, in order to be the biggest ever, in my opinion."
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