Nadal powers his way to second US Open crown against Djokovic

By Gary Anderson

September 9 - Spaniard Rafael Nadal is closing in on Roger Federer's record of 17 Grand Slam titles after he powered his way to a second US Open win against world number one Novak Djokovic, clocking up his 13th major crown in the process.

Nadal overcame the Serb 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 in three hours and 21 minutes to inflict a second consecutive US Open final defeat on Djokovic, who lost out to Britain's Andy Murray 12 months ago at Flushing Meadows.

In what was the pair's 37th meeting - a record taking them past the rivalry of John McEnroe and Ivan Lendl - Nadal improved his head-to-head record to 22-15 against the man he beat in the 2010 US Open decider to complete his career Grand Slam of US Open, French Open, Australian Open and Wimbledon titles.

Coming into the final on the Arthur Ashe court, the Spanish second seed had only been broken once throughout the tournament, winning 88 consecutive service games as he cruised through the rounds, while Djokovic needed four hours and five sets to see off Swiss player Stanislas Wawrinka in a punishing semi-final.

The six-time Grand Slam winner is famed for his fitness and never-say-die attitude on the court, but he was uncharacteristically sluggish in the opening set, hitting 14 unforced errors as he struggled to find any rhythm and Nadal clinched the set 6-2.

Rafael Nadal came into the final having only dropped one service game
throughout the tournament

But, Djokovic, as he always seems to do, found something from somewhere to come powering straight back into the contest as a run of six in seven games, including three breaks, saw him bag the second set 6-3 and race into a 2-0 lead in the third.

At 4-4 in the third, Nadal was staring down the barrel of three break points and it is on such moments that Grand Slams are decided as the eight-time French Open champion summoned up reserves of will and steely nerve to smash his way back into the game and hold serve, before a blitzing forehand was too much for Djokovic in the next game, and the Spaniard took a crucial two sets to one lead.

Djokovic appeared broken, and very much against the nature of matches between these two rivals, Nadal clinched the fourth and decisive set in a relatively comfortable manner, breaking the Serbian twice early on to take the set 6-1 and banish the memory of his 2011 defeat to Djokovic under the same New York sky.

"Having this success is amazing," said 27-year-old Nadal, who has played 63 matches this year and lost only three.

"I never expected it.

"That's life and I'm lucky to have what I'm having.

"I really love the competition, I really love the sport.

"All my career I dreamed to be involved in matches like today.

"I enjoy every moment.

"These things are not forever.

"In a few years I won't have this chance.

"I try my best, I have passion and that's all I can do."

Novak Djokovic (left) and Rafael Nadal have now met for a record 37th time
in professional matches

Djokovic, 26, made 53 unforced errors during the match, and has now lost four out of five US Open finals.

"Obviously, it's disappointing to lose a match like this," he admitted.

"Again, it was a huge privilege and an honour to fight for this trophy.

"He was too good.

"He definitely deserved to win this match today and this trophy.

"Thirteen Grand Slams for a guy who is 27-years-old is incredible.

"Whatever he achieved so far in his career, everybody should respect no question about it."

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