World No.1 Rafael Nadal has claimed a 16th grand slam title and his third US Open with a dominant straight sets victory over South African Kevin Anderson in the final.
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Rafael Nadal will look to win a second grand slam for the year when he takes on big-serving South African Kevin Anderson in the final of the US Open. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 6am (AEST).
The new world No.1 has enjoyed a phenomenal 2017 season and will look to cap it off in the final at Flushing Meadows.
After losing the Australian Open final and winning at Roland Garros he is playing his third grand slam final of the year. Nadal though, hasn’t won a hard court major since he took out the final grand slam of the year in 2013. In that regard, it’s been a long time between drinks and Kevin Anderson won’t be a pushover.
In what is possibly career-best form, Anderson has made it out of the bottom half of the draw to his first grand slam final. The South African has benefited from a strange turn of events with seeds pulling out and losing, but he has dominated everyone in his way en route to the final.
Anderson has served over 100 aces for the tournament, and has had to play high-quality tennis over the last three rounds.
He went through the first three rounds without much fuss, but has taken four sets to get over his last three opponents, Paolo Lorenzi, Sam Querrey and Pablo Carreno Busta.
The win against Querrey was particularly impressive, while he had to come back from a set down against Carreno Busta. The way he was able to remain composed and serve his way out of trouble was impressive to watch, and leaves him in good stead ahead of the biggest match of his career to date.
Nadal, on the other hand has breezed through the tournament on the scoreboard at least, but there are underlying problems with the world No.1.
He dropped a set in both the second and third rounds against Taro Daniel and Leonardo Mayer. He appeared to be struggling to stay consistent, but then had a pair of straight-set victories to get back on track.
The world No.1 didn’t start well against Juan Martin Del Potro either, dropping the first set. The second, third and fourth set were dominant though, but alot of that was the Argentinian’s serve going off the boil.
Given Anderson’s serve is one of the fastest on tour, it leaves lingering questions over Nadal ahead of the final.
Anderson must get a fast start and stay consistent. If he does that, then he gives himself a chance.
Prediction
As good as Anderson’s serve is, and despite the minor problems Nadal has had throughout the tournament, it’s hard to see Anderson holding a level which will beat Nadal in a grand slam final. You know he will make it physical, defend well and bide his time.
Nadal in four sets
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of the 2017 US Open final from 6am (AEST) and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Right then, Nadal lifts the crown and that's going to do it here on The Roar for our live coverage of the 2017 US Open, won by Rafael Nadal in straight sets over Kevin Andrerson. Hopefully you enjoyed the call not only today, but all of the coverage over the last fortnight. The Roar will be back at 10pm (AEST) on Friday night as Australia begin their Davis Cup semi-final against Belgium. Bye for now.
Scott Pryde
Expert
And now, Nadal. "It's been a very special two weeks for me, but before I talk about me, I want to talk about Kevin. You have had a great two weeks, came back from injury and are a great inspiration on the tour to kids and players. "For me, personally, it's unbelievable what happened this year. After a couple of years with some troubles, injuries, this is amazing. I've been playing a high level of tennis since the first events in Australia, and to close in New York is unbelievable. The crowd here is unbelievable and I'm so, so happy. "It's not one less I'll take (from Uncle Tony who is no longer travelling with Nadal after this year). Without him I wouldn't be playing tennis. He is strong, has great motivation and helped me get through injuries. Thankyou very much. He then gives a quick shoutout to Mexico and Florida, who are currently suffering from Hurricane Irma.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Anderson now. Very good speech in defeat. "First of all, I want to congratulate Rafa. I feel I have been watching him my whole life. I know we are the same age, but he is an idol of mine. You are one of the greatest ambassadors of our sport. "Last year was difficult for me. It's been an amazing two weeks for me. Being injured was tough and to make my first grand slam final was special. "I'd like to mention my team. Thanks guys for all your support. "The support I've had from South Africa back home has been overwhelming. And to my family."
Scott Pryde
Expert
Jake Garner, the chair umpire being recognised. He did a solid job today.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Just getting through the formalities.
Scott Pryde
Expert
The presentation is getting underway now.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Anderson didn't play a poor match by any standards, but he just couldn't serve well enough. Only got 59% of first serves, and won just 36% of points on the second serve.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thoughts on the match Roarers?
Scott Pryde
Expert
What a year 2017 has been. Nadal with two grand slams, Federer wins the other two. Just incredible.
Scott Pryde
Expert
GAME, SET, MATCH, CHAMPIONSHIP RAFAEL NADAL Nadal with a wide serve, then a short reply from Anderson and he comes to the net, volleying through the open court to bring up a 16th grand slam title. Nadal wins for the third time in New York, and a 16th overall. That was an utterly dominant performance. He just physically destroyed Kevin Anderson here today. The World No.1 wins in New York. Rafael Nadal 6 6 6 Kevin Anderson 3 3 4
Scott Pryde
Expert
ACE! Match point #2. Rafael Nadal 6 6 5 - AD Kevin Anderson 3 3 4 -
Scott Pryde
Expert
Fault from Nadal. The second is out wide, Anderson returns with depth and Nadal tried to be too aggressive there, putting the forehand into the net. Match point saved. Rafael Nadal 6 6 5 - deuce (1) Kevin Anderson 3 3 4 -
Scott Pryde
Expert
Body serve from Nadal, Anderson returns long on the backhand and here it is! Match point. It's taken 2 hours and 20, but we have match point. Rafael Nadal 6 6 5 - 40 Kevin Anderson 3 3 4 - 30
Scott Pryde
Expert
Anderson with a good return of serve, some nice work to get inside the court and then he gets a ridiculously difficult volley away from behind him. Great stuff. Rafael Nadal 6 6 5 - 30 Kevin Anderson 3 3 4 - 30
Scott Pryde
Expert
Fault from Nadal and Anderson returns short then defends his way into the point before playing a powerful forehand to come to the net. Lobbed defence from Nadal and Anderson puts an overhead long. Nadal is two points away. Rafael Nadal 6 6 5 - 30 Kevin Anderson 3 3 4 - 15
Scott Pryde
Expert
The crowd starting to get a little carried away now. After a delay to quieten them, Nadal goes a body serve and then a backhand down the line, but he swings it wide. Rafael Nadal 6 6 5 - 15 Kevin Anderson 3 3 4 - 15
Scott Pryde
Expert
Nadal with a fault to start this service game. Nadal with a fault, then one down the middle that slides away and Anderson returns into the net. Rafael Nadal 6 6 5 - 15 Kevin Anderson 3 3 4 - 0
Scott Pryde
Expert
ACE! Anderson holds serve and we will hit the chairs for probably the final time. Nadal is about to serve for the US Open. Rafael Nadal 6 6 5 - Kevin Anderson 3 3 4 -
Scott Pryde
Expert
Anderson faults on the first and Nadal returns from the baseline, then puts a backhand into the net. Rafael Nadal 6 6 5 - 15 Kevin Anderson 3 3 3 - 40
Scott Pryde
Expert
Wide serve and Nadal can't return. Rafael Nadal 6 6 5 - 15 Kevin Anderson 3 3 3 - 30