Spaniard Rafael Nadal defeated Russian Daniil Medvedev in a gripping five-set match 7-5, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4 at the Arthur Ashe Stadium to win the 2019 U.S Open. With the win, he lifted his fourth U. S Open trophy and his 19th Grand Slam title, moving closer to the record 20 Grand Slams won by Roger Federer.
He has won the U. S Open titles in 2010, 2013, and 2017 earlier.
The thrilling match lasted for four hours and 50 minutes, a mere four minutes short of the longest U. S Open final.
While Nadal dominated over Medvedev in the first two sets, the Russian won the third and the fourth sets, leading the match into a five-set one. But Nadal showed what champions are made out, displaying grit and mettle and winning emphatically the final set 6-4.
After the match, the 33-year-old Nadal said, “It has been one of the most emotional nights in my tennis career.”
“It has been an amazing final. It has been a crazy match,” he said.
Medvedev was gracious in his defeat and wholeheartedly congratulated the champion. “First of all I just want to congratulate Rafa, 19th Grand Slam title is something unbelievable, outrageous.”
“I want to congratulate him and his team, you guys are doing an amazing job. It’s very tough to play against you,” he said.
Interestingly, at 33, Nadal became the second-oldest winner of the U. S Open in the Open Era, after Ken Rosewall won it in 1970 at 35.
With this win, the trio of Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic have, among themselves, won 12 Grand Slam in a row and their domination shows no signs of slowing down.
Congratulations poured in for the champion from all over the world, with tennis legend Billie Jean King taking to Twitter to wish Nadal.
.@RafaelNadal has just won his 4th #USOpen and 19th major. He is a champion with character, grit, and passion, and a true ambassador for Spain, our sport, and the world. #USOpenFinal https://t.co/X9jfNmUFa9
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 9, 2019
Congratulations @RafaelNadal, a gutsy victory to claim your 19th Major, 4th @usopen crown and 2nd Slam title this year after the French. Stand tall friend, you are closing in, it was a privilege to present this trophy to you tonight.?? pic.twitter.com/p6yIzYQULX
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) September 9, 2019
What a match guys!! Unforgettable fight @RafaelNadal @DaniilMedwed. ???? Felicitaciones Rafa!! #usopen
— Juan M. del Potro (@delpotrojuan) September 9, 2019
Do you think Nadal will surpass Federer’s record of 20 Grand Slam titles? Do let us know your comments below.
Wishing that we see many more wins from the champion!
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