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.
Anderson was always going to be up against it, and he never rose to the occasion. Despite what was a physical encounter, lasting well over two hours, Anderson didn’t create a single break point against the serve of Nadal, which was accurate all match.
It was far from a bad match for Anderson, but his first serve let him down, and Nadal was all over the second. Anderson only landed 59 per cent of first serves, and it was never going to be enough.
Evidently, Nadal was pouncing on the second serves from early in the piece, and he ran away with the match as Anderson only won 36 per cent of points when he needed a second serve.
The second serves allowed Nadal to skip away with the match after a physical opening set. Anderson had a couple of service games go for more than ten minutes, and it looked as if he was going to be in for the long haul.
Anderson was only broken at 4-3 with the match approaching the 40-minute mark already, but Nadal by that stage had his serve in order and took that first set 6-3.
The second was over a lot quicker, with Nadal managing to break serve a lot easier in another 6-3 win.
When Nadal broke in the first service game of the third set to go up two sets and a break, it was clear there was no coming back for Anderson, who was still struggling to win more than a poinit per game against the serve of Nadal.
It’s not hard to see why either with Nadal serving at 63 per cent and winning 84 per cent of those points where he got a first serve in.
Following the break in the final set, Anderson held all his service games, but simply couldn’t find a way to break Nadal.
The win confirms Nadal’s status as world No.1 on the ATP Tour. The added points, as well as having very few to defend to the end of the year should see Nadal hold onto the seeding into January and he will more than likely be listed at the top of the draw for the 2018 Australian Open.
It’s been an incredible year in the world of tennis though. It’s been the return of the veterans, with Nadal and Roger Federer winning two grand slams each.
In New York though, a straight sets domination from Nadal to take his 16th grand slam.
Rafael Nadal 6 6 6
Kevin Anderson 3 3 4
Johnno
Guest
It doesn't matter what anyone says about the quality of the field, the top 50 in the men if not the top 100 can beat each other on there day. And at 31 a good effort. Novak and Murray have won titles when Fed/Rafa haven't been playing or playing when injured or out of form, so all that quality of the field all evens up..
Othmar
Guest
This could have been a Rafa - Roger final. Why did the organisers choose to seed 6ranked Cilic as no 2?
Bruce
Guest
Well done Rafa, you only have to beat who's put in front of you. But seriously, his was the weakest draw in the history of grand slams. You'd face stiffer opposition in a masters 500. Highest ranked player he faced was del potro at 28(?). Compare this to feds Aussie open...he beat 4 top ten players. His Wimbledon run was also impressive, beating very good grass court players.
CJ
Guest
Read somewhere today he has found a treatment for his knees
Bfc
Guest
I am a big Federer fan...his best is about as good as anyone has seen, but if Nadal stays injury free for a couple of years then the record of 19 Grand Slam tournament wins is in danger (and Nadal is 4 years younger than Federer...?). It was a dominating performance by the great Spaniard.