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Rafael Nadal Defeats Novak Djokovic in Four Sets for U.S. Open Title


By Chris Oddo / Monday, September 8, 2013

 

 

Rafael Nadal overcame a strong push from Novak Djokovic to win his 13th Grand Slam and second U.S.
Open title on Monday, 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1.

Photo Source: AP

The tennis was sublime. The mental fortitude? Even more so. In the end, Rafael Nadal's 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 victory over Novak Djokovic in Monday's U.S. Open Men's Singles final will be remembered as a triumph of the spirit more than the triumph of talent. Yes, Nadal--and his opponent Djokovic--have plenty of both, but seeing Nadal pushed the the brink by a surly Djokovic in the middle of this match, then watching him redouble his efforts for one giant push that turned a near loss into a lopsided victory, it was clear that the powerful mind of Nadal was the most important tool in his toolbox.

Watch: Nadal and Djokovic Play a 54-Stroke Rally at the U.S. Open

After Nadal broke serve twice to race out to an early lead, Djokovic showed his spirit, too. The Serb played the set of a lifetime to edge Nadal in a wildly entertaining second set, and he jumped out to a lead in the third set with his third consecutive break of serve over Nadal.

But after breaking back to level the third set at three-all, Nadal would put his shaman-like focus to work in the ninth game when he saved triple break point to hold serve for a five-four lead. Passing that test seemed to increase Rafa's self-belief, and sensing his chance, he would break for a two sets to one lead in the very next game.

With Djokovic running out of magic, Nadal would overcome another challenge early in the fourth set, saving two break points to keep his nose in front of the dangerous Serb.

Those who had expected another last-ditch comeback from the Serb were disappointed. Try as he may, the now bristling game of Nadal was ramped up to a fever pitch as the finish line neared. He rolled through the final set, taking six of the final seven games to claim the title, then rolled on the court in ecstasy, finally letting down his guard and breaking into tears before trotting over to celebrate with his team.

Nadal's 13th Grand Slam caps off an amazing summer in which he increased his hard court winning streak to 22 matches. He moves into third all-time on the Grand Slam title list, just one away from catching Pete Sampras, and only four away from Roger Federer.

 

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