Rafael Nadal has ended his three-and-a-half year wait for a hard court title by dismissing a spirited Kevin Anderson 6-3, 6-3, 6-4, in the final of the US Open in New York.
Underlining his status as the best player in the world according to the Emirates ranking system, the 31-year-old produced a display of tenacity and speed in his shot-making. It was a picture perfect outcome for the Spaniard, who wasn’t taken to deuce whilst serving until the final game of the match. Overall Nadal’s display consisted of a 84% winning first service rate, 30 winners and only 11 unforced errors.
“It is a very special two weeks for me,” Nadal said during the trophy ceremony.
“To close the Grand Slam year with a win in New York, brings me to a higher energy because the crowd is unbelievable here.”
Sunday’s finale was tennis’ own version of David and Goliath. Top seed Nadal was aiming to claim his 16th major title against Anderson, a player participating in his first grand slam final. It started as a mammoth battle between the two heavy hitters, but in this version of the tale, it was the match favourite who prevailed against the underdog.
The job of trying to tame the service power of his 6’8” opponent was a far from simple task for Nadal early on. 35 minutes into the match only five games were played as Anderson battled to stay within contention. Firing a series of aces and producing some nifty play at the net. The South African eventually buckled under pressure in the seventh game when a forehand landed out to secure Nadal’s breakthrough. Suddenly the closeness between the two rapidly eroded as the Spaniard roared his way to the first set lead. Clinching it with a delicate drop shot at the net.
31 places separate the two men in the ATP rankings and that difference became more noticeable as the match progressed. Anderson’s spirited performance was no match for Nadal’s superiority. Who used the speed of his shot-making to dictate the rallies. Nadal’s game plan of standing six meters behind the baseline when receiving was an unusual approach, but it rewarded him dearly. Muscling his way through the second set with an emphatic winner-error ratio of 15-2, the Spaniard broke for a 4-2 lead with the help of a smash at the net. Continuing to orchestrate the encounter on his own terms, the second set was sealed with ease. A lengthy rally that concluded with a ferocious forehand cross court winner.
The inevitability of Nadal’s milestone win began to frustrate Anderson, who battled hard and only managed to win six games in the first two sets. Mentally and physically the Spaniard had the edge, benefiting heavily from his rivals unforced error count towards the closing stages. Anderson continued to fight, prompting praise from the animated New York crowd, but it was not enough to spoil the Spanish party.
Serving for the title, Nadal’s rhythm suffered a blip as numerous calls from the crowd interrupted his service motion. After seeing his first match point come and go due to a speedy return from the world No.32, it was second times a charm for the top seed with a winning backhand slice at the net. Prompting praise from both the Crowd and his rival.
“I know we are the same age, but I feel that I have been watching you my whole life.” Anderson reflected after the final.
“You have been an idol of mine and it’s tough playing you. You’re one of the greatest ambassadors of our sport.”
Nadal’s latest milestone also marked the end of an era. From 2018 onwards, he will no longer be joined by his long-term coach and uncle Toni on the tour. The man who first introduced Nadal to tennis. It was only fitting that he pay tribute to him moments after the story, describing Toni as ‘one of the most important people in his life.’
“I can’t thank Toni enough for everything he has done for me. Without him I don’t think I would be playing tennis. He has had a great commitment to training with me since I was three and he is one of the most important people in my life.” The newly crowned US Open champion said.
Taking home a prize money fund of $3.7 million, Nadal is the seventh man in history to win multiple grand slam titles after their 30th birthday. He is now only three titles behind Roger Federer’s all-time record of 19 grand slam trophies.
