Rafael Nadal was full of emotion following the conclusion of the US Open final, a game which tested the tennis legend’s stamina and determination.Nadal led by two sets and a break, only for fifth seed Daniil Medvedev to launch an incredible fightback to take the game into a fifth and deciding set.After nearly five hours of tennis, Nadal finally confirmed the victory and in doing so, took his tally of men’s Grand Slam titles to 19, just one behind leader Roger Federer.The realisation that he could become the all-time Grand Slam record holder clearly washed over the Spaniard after the game, attempting to hold back the tears as a video was played on the big screen in the stadium showing his range of honours.The stadium was filled with cheers for the 33-year-old, as the video took the spectators through the sequence of Nadal’s triumphs, something which the tennis star was clearly moved by.
The commentator remarked that the potential that he could become the record holder was “only just starting to sink in”, a statement that was reflected by the tearful expression on the Spaniard’s face.
As the video continued, Nadal buried his face in his hands, an action that was met with applause and adulation from the crowd.
There was also a lot of that for Medvedev, the man who helped to create a thrilling final which was fitting for the occasion.
The 23-year-old fought back from an almost impossible position to turn the final into a war of attrition, earning the praise and respect of everyone who watched.
Medvedev was appearing in his first Grand Slam final, but if he can build on the stellar performances he put in during this year’s US Open, it most certainly will not be his last.
As for Nadal, he will have to wait for the Australian Open at the turn of the year for the opportunity to draw level with Federer in the list of all-time men’s Grand Slam winners.