Open final 6-2 6-4 6-7 6-1 at Flushing Meadows on Monday and show why
he really is the hottest player in the game right now.
The world number one produced a masterful display of tactics and
precision then regained his composure after failing to serve out the
match in the third set to seal victory after four hours and 10
minutes.
The win provided Djokovic with his first U.S. Open title after he had
twice been beaten in the final, including last year's decider against
Nadal, and his third grand slam this year after having won the
Australian Open and Wimbledon.
"It really sounds unreal. It's an incredible feeling," Djokovic said.
"I've had an amazing year and it keeps going. Every time I play Rafa,
it's a big challenge. I want to congratulate him on a great tournament
again and I wish that we have many more tough matches in the upcoming
years."
Nadal, who was the undisputed king of tennis 12 months ago when he
completed his collection of grand slam titles at Flushing Meadows, was
again left searching for answers after a season in which he has lost
six finals, including Wimbledon, and the number one ranking to
Djokovic.
"Obviously I'm disappointed now but this guy's done unbelievable
things," Nadal said. "I tried my best in every moment. These kind of
matches are very difficult, it brings your body to the limit. I tried
to play crazy but he always makes fantastic comebacks. That's tennis."
No matter how hard he tried, Nadal could not find a way to get on top
of the Serbian, who played at an extraordinary high-level despite
windy conditions at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
To his credit, Nadal fought back gamely to win the third set in a
tiebreaker after Djokovic came within two points of wrapping up the
championship on his own serve.
There were signs of concern for the Serbian, who saved two match
points in his semi-final exhausting win over Roger Federer, when he
called for the trainer to treat his aching back at the start of the
fourth set but he recovered and broke Nadal's opening serve to regain
control.
After consolidating his lead by holding his next two service games, he
broke Nadal's serve again, for the 11th time in the match, the served
out victory, collapsing on the court in celebration after smashing a
winner past his opponent.
Both players produced some incredible tennis, including some epic
rallies that had the packed center court crowd roaring at the top of
their lungs, but it was Djokovic who won all the key moments.
In each of the first two sets, Nadal jumped out to a 2-0 lead, only to
be reined in by Djokovic, who kept the Spanish left-hander under
constant pressure with some monster returns that landed right at his
feet.
Djokovic reeled off six straight games to take the opening set after
53 minutes but found himself down 2-0 again at the start of the
second.
He broke back after an epic third game that lasted more than 17
minutes and included eight deuces and led 4-2. Nadal got back to 4-4
but another service break cost him the set.
The third set was the longest, lasting 84 minutes. Both players were
broken three times but Djokovic had the chance to serve out the match.
He failed but made amends by racing through the fourth set in 42
minutes to leave no one in doubt that he is the best player in the
world.
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