US Open last grand slam of tennis calendar ended with a bang. As, I predicted in my earlier post Rafael Nadal made it to the final of US Open where he was against world number 1 Novak Djokovick. It was record 37th clash between two greatest rivals in open era of tennis history out of which 21 matches won by Nadal while 15 matches by Djokovick before this match. This was 4th straight final at US open for Novak Djokovick while 3rd US Open for Rafael Nadal. With the kind of form Nadal has been on Hard court recently I declared him favorite in my last article on US Open Final against Novak Djokovick for win.
 |
| US Open Finalist Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovick |
Rafael Nadal popularly known as “King of Clay Court” for his 8 French Open titles defeated his opponent Novak Djokovick in four sets. It was expected to be close encounter as Hard court is favorite surface of Djokovick while Nadal is in good form on the same surface already winning Cincinnati Masters and Rogers Cup. Nadal who lost more matches to Djokovick in 2011 and 2012 had better results this year. Rafael Nadal has defeated Serbian Novak Djokovick six times in last 7 matches they played.
Eying 13th grand slam of career at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Rafael Nadal started very well and took a lead of 3-1 in no time breaking the service of Djokovick twice. Novak Djokovick tried to fight back but too many unforced errors in first match goes against him and he lost first set by 6-2 giving lead of 1-0 to Spaniard. Novak Djokovick looked completely erratic and made number of silly mistakes and committed too many unforced errors.
 |
| Djokovick after winning the point after 54 shots long rally |
Second set was completely opposite of first set. In second set Nadal struggled very badly and his service was broken twice by Djokovick to make score 5-2 in favor of the Serbian. Novak Djokovick hold his serve to win second set with 6-3 and match tied at 1-1. Rafael Nadal looked a bit unhappy with the noises made by the fans in the stadium too.
Like second set Djokovick broke the service of Spaniard and got a lead of 3-1 in 3rd set. But, Nadal bounced back quickly making it 4-4 in no time. Nadal down at 0-40 wins it to get a lead in the 3rd set for first time with 5-4. Djokovick slammed the ball into net and the set went to Rafael Nadal 6-4 who was trailing 1-3 at one time. Nadal was leading the match 2-1 and a set away from the 2nd US Open title.
 |
| Rafael Nadal reacting after winning a point in final |
In fourth set where Djokovick needed to win to be in competition looked completely lost. He looked very tired in no time he gave away the match by score 5-1 in favor of Nadal who was to serve for match and championship. Rafael Nadal didn’t waste too much time and finished the set with the score of 6-1 and wins US open title for the second time. Rafael Nadal proved his dominance on hard court in fourth set by winning the set in just 40 minutes. Nadal won the 2nd Grand slam of the year in 3 hours and 21 minutes.
 |
| Nadal after Winning the Final match against Djokovick |
Analyzing the match we see that too many unforced errors from Novak Djokovick cost match to him. Djokovick made 53 unforced errors while his opponent Nadal made only 20. Rafael Nadal played best of tennis in front of the Queen of Spain and Football star David Beckham in spectator area along with 23,000 spectators at Flushing Meadows in New York city.
PRIZE MONEY
Winning final match Nadal got his hand not only on 2nd US Open title and 13th grand slam but, also a huge paycheck. Rafael Nadal pocketed $ 2.6 Million for winning the US Open champions along with $ 1 Million as bonus for winning the US Open Series like Serena Williams. US Open title is 60th title for Rafael Nadal in his incredible tennis career.
 |
| Rafael Nadal in his Signature Style with US Open Title |
This season has been undoubtedly the best hard court season for the Spaniard in his illustrious tennis career. He has played 22 matches on the Hard court winning all of them. Rafael Nadal has won 10 titles this year including the French Open and US Open since making his comeback from injury. Rafael Nadal is looked quite unbeatable no matter on which surface he is playing if we keep aside the first round exit at Wimbledon.
Highest Grand Slam winners of All Time
Player Name No. of Grand Slams
Roger Federer 17
Pete Sampras 14
Rafael Nadal 13
Roy Emerson 12
Rod Laver 11
Rafael Nadal is just one title away from Pete Sampras and four titles away from Swiss Legend Roger Federer but, the way he has played this season it doesn’t look too far from him. This year Rafael Nadal has played 60 matches winning 57 of them losing only 3. This tennis season has been almost perfect for the “King of Clay court“.
 |
| Roger Federer Tops the Grand Slam Winners List |
As it was said by Novak Djokovick day before the match “Rafael Nadal is best in the World”. He has certainly justified that with his sizzling performance once again and the debate will start all over again whether Rafael Nadal is better than Roger Federer? Rafael Nadal is ultimate warrior in Tennis history and his relentless has made him one of all time greats. Rafael Nadal has already won 13 grand slams in his career and he is just 27 so the 17 grand slam titles of Federer is not too far if we look at the amount of age Nadal got to catch that.
Paes–Stepanek wins US Open 2013 Mens Double Title
 |
| Radek Stepanek and Leander Paes with Doubles US Open Trophy |
Leander Paes became oldest player in tennis history to win the US Open in Doubles. 40 year old Paes partnering with Radek Stepanek defeated 2nd seeded team of A Peya and B Soars in straight sets to win the title. This is 14th grand slam for the Leander Pace while 3rd grand slam for the Radek Stepanek. This is 3rd US Open title of 40 year old Leander Paes while first for his partner Stepanek. Paes and Stepanek who defeated title favorites Bryan Brothers in semifinals to insure their place in final won it in straight sets with the score of 6-1, 6-3.
Congrats Rafa ! You are definitely going to win more titles than the Swiss legend Roger Federer. This year has been most impressive year for the King of Clay winning 10 titles including US Open and French Open.
ReplyDeleteIf Nadal continues to play the way he has played after making his comeback from injury this year, Nadal can definitely win more titles than the Swiss legend Roger Federer.
DeleteRoger Federer is a real class and he is as classic as the real tennis is. But, Rafael Nadal is simply relentless as it gets. Rafael Nadal is definitely the greatest thing in the Tennis history.
ReplyDeleteNadal is a man driven by the Tear and Fear as it was said by himself. he is simply amazing if he is in best of his fitness. Roger Federer is simply effortless player and always delight watch him play. I Have to agree with you that he is one of the great in all time tennis history.
Delete