Rafael Nadal has claimed his second US Open title and 13th Grand Slam crown when he defeated world number one Novak Djokovic, 6-2 3-6 6-4 6-1 in a lung-busting, big-hitting final.
Nadal, 27, added the 2013 trophy to his 2010 triumph, when he completed a career Grand Slam, and gloriously capped a year that has now seen him capture 10 titles and stretch his season record to 60 wins and just three losses.
Monday’s win also earned him a total of $US3.6 million ($A3.92 million), which takes his career earnings through the $US60 million ($A65.37 million) mark and also edged him closer to Roger Federer’s record of 17 majors and put him one behind Pete Sampras.
In the pair’s record-setting 37th meeting, world number two Nadal, who only returned to the tour in February following a seven-month injury lay-off, took his lead over Djokovic to 22-15 as he added the US Open crown to the eighth French Open he claimed in June.
“It’s very emotional. All my team knows what this means to me,” said Nadal.
“Novak always brings my game to the limit. He is an amazing player. He will go down as one of the greatest in the sport.”
For Djokovic, playing in a fourth successive final in New York, it was a devastating defeat in a year which started with a fourth Australian Open title but was followed by a semi-final loss at the French Open to Nadal and a Wimbledon final mauling by Andy Murray.
For the neutrals, however, it was a memorable contest which showcased thrilling athleticism, delicate touch and exhausting, brutal rallies, one of which was fought out over 54 shots.
Djokovic lost 11 of the last 13 games with his challenge fatally undermined by 53 unforced errors to Nadal’s 20.
“Rafa was too good, and he definitely deserved to win today. I am disappointed to lose a match like this but it’s a huge privilege to be fighting for the trophy,” said Djokovic.
Nadal, in his 18th major final, was comfortably the more settled player in the opening stages, finding pin-point accuracy while Djokovic, who had already voiced his dislike at playing on a late Monday afternoon, was sluggish and heavy-footed.
