Associated Press photo by Eduardo Munoz Alvarez / Rafael Nadal’s 19 Grand Slam men’s singles titles are one fewer than the record 20 held by rival Roger Federer.NEW YORK – Rafael Nadal’s 19th Grand Slam trophy went from inevitable to suddenly in doubt in a thrill-a-minute U.S. Open final Sunday evening.
What had all the makings of a crowning morphed into a real contest thanks to Nadal’s opponent, Daniil Medvedev, a man a decade younger and appearing in his first major title match. Down by two sets and a break, Medvedev shifted styles, upped his level against a rattled Nadal – and even received an unexpected boost from Arthur Ashe Stadium spectators.
Truly tested for the only time in the tournament, the No. 2-seeded Nadal managed to stop Medvedev’s surge and hold off his historic comeback bid, pulling out a 7-5, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4 victory in 4 hours, 50 minutes of highlight-worthy action and Broadway-worthy drama to collect his fourth championship at Flushing Meadows.
“An amazing final. Seems that I had, more or less, the match under control,” said Nadal, who covered his face with his hands while crying when arena video boards showed clips from each of his Slam triumphs. “One of the most emotional nights of my tennis career.”
Now at 19 major championships – a total Medvedev called “outrageous” – Nadal is merely one away from rival Roger Federer’s record for Grand Slam men’s singles titles.