Rafael Nadal triumphs at the U.S. Open by holding off Novak Djokovic for a four-set win on Monday. Despite not playing the Australian Open at the beginning of 2013, Nadal will finish the season with two Grand Slam titles.
Rafael Nadal captured his second U.S. Open title by defeating Novak Djokovic 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 on Monday night. Nadal survived a wild, back-and-forth second set en route to victory after three hours and 21 minutes.
The world No. 1 found his range in set two, firing 15 winners–more than double Nadal’s total. Djokovic missed two break-point opportunities at 1-0, but he really sank his teeth into the match when he finally broke Nadal at 3-2.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdjNghcCNPU]
It hardly mattered when Djokovic donated his own serve one game later, because arguably the best returner in tennis was in rare form even by his standards. Nadal had been broken only once in the entire tournament prior to the final, but he lost his serve three times to Djokovic. All three breaks came in succession: at 2-3, 3-4, and again in the first game of the third set.
The third, however, ultimately provided some of the most tense drama of the tennis year. Nadal fought off one break point at 0-2 to stay within striking distance before getting the break back at 2-3. That set the stage for the turning point of the match–Nadal’s service game at 4-4. The second-ranked Spaniard dug out of a 0-40 hole, saving break points with a forehand winner, a netted Djokovic forehand, and an ace. Nadal promptly broke one game later to steal the set from just about out of nowhere, clinching it with a heavy forehand.
Perhaps stunned by the quick turn of events, Djokovic could not recover for the fourth. New York’s top seed watched a Nadal forehand fly past him on break point at 0-1 and from there it was all over. Nadal made only three unforced errors in set four and lost a mere three points in his last three service games. He capitalized on his first championship point at 5-1, 40-15 when a Djokovic forehand caught the tape.
It is Nadal’s second U.S. Open title and first since 2010. The former and likely soon-to-be world No. 1 now owns 13 Grand Slam titles, trailing only Roger Federer (17) and Pete Sampras (14). Djokovic, meanwhile, is now 6-6 lifetime in major finals.
last game of the match:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYvlQnJW32g]
vamosrafa: I’m glad you saw it that way too.
I think much of the effusive commentating came from people. such as Becker. over-compensating for their lukewarm praise of Rafa in the past 🙂
Also the final was hyped up so much in advance as the ultimate showdown between these two I guess many commentators felt obligated to talk-up the quality both during and after the match.
Also, behind the OTT build-up was an under-lying hope, and expectation, that Novak would put Rafa in his place.
exactly vamosrafa,
Rafa didn’t play a very good match in the final compared to his standards as of late. Had he done that my prediction of a win in 3 would have been correct.
Frankly, who cares what the predictions are as long as our man comes through. He’s been proving predictions wrong since he turned professional at age 15 anyways.
When Rafa ends his ‘carrera’, the so called experts will still label him as all brawl and no class and so on and so forth.. however, the stats will remain there for anyone (even those who don’t know squat about tennis) to see. Plain and simple.
Myself for instance, I never warmed up to Sampras much but the undeniable thing is that he won 14 GS and made everyone’s life hell in his prime.
IMO what Rafa has achieved this year already eclipses Djokovic’s 2011 performance given he started from cold in February, having had no match play for seven months, and has already matched Djokovic’s tally of 10 titles. And who knows there may be more to come before the year is out.
Found this on the Spanish press
http://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/2013/09/11/tenis/1378891585.html
The main thing Rafa says is that ‘he thinks he’ll be ATP Nr. 1 in the following weeks but that his objective is to remain as such until at least the end of the season’.
Nice
Also, appartently he denied taking a private jet that the Spanish federation was putting at his disposal for the DC arguing that given the state of the country it was not the time to go for such a big expenditure.
Rafa WILL get the no 1 ranking back sooner or later, but year end no 1 would be nice, since that’s, what goes into the history books. And, if ever someone deserved it, it is Rafa. But it won’t be a walk in the park. Novak can pick up some points for won DC matches, and we don’t know, how much Rafa has left in the tank mentally and physically.
I think, it was a good move, not to accept the private plane, not so much, because of the flagging economy, but because he probably doesn’t know, if he will end up playing 2 matches. It would look a little silly, if he is flown in and ends up not playing.
I wish, he wouldn’t play DC after the gruelling summer, but I understand, that he doesn’t want to stand by idly, when there is the threat of Team Spain being demoted from the World Group. But it’s probably a blessing in disguise, that there will be no final for Spain this year, since it would probably mean, to play Serbia in Serbia, and we all know how gruelling that would be.
littlefoot@September 11, 2013 at 11:38 am
—I wish, he wouldn’t play DC after the gruelling summer, but I understand, that he doesn’t want to stand by idly, when there is the threat of Team Spain being demoted from the World Group.—
If Rafa wants to compete in the 2016 Olympics, he has to play Davis Cup to qualify for the Olympics.
—Olympic qualifying more demanding in 2016.
The ITF has decided to change its qualification rules for the 2016 Olympics. After the 2012 Games, a player must make himself or herself available to play Davis Cup or Fed Cup four times in an Olympic cycle. Currently, players only have to make themselves available for two ties in the two prior years to the Olympics.
Another change is that the qualification window will start just after the 2012, Olympics so the upcoming September/November Davis Cup and November Fed Cup are the first opportunity for players to begin to qualify, as opposed to previous years, when the clock started at the beginning of the year following the Olympics. —
http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2012/05/olympic-qualifying-more-demanding-in-2016/35780/#.UjBaptKmjPU
Thanks, Augusta08, I wasn’t aware of the rule change.
Rafa is already in Spain
http://www.as.com/tenis/video/nadal-ano-ha-sido-emocionante/20130911dasdasten_1/Ves
“With a 22-0 record on hardcourts this year, Nadal, not Djokovic, is now the world’s best hardcourt player — positioning himself closer to the baseline, going for more with his forehand and using his still-underrated versatility (see Monday night’s backhand slices and one-handed backhand winners in extension). ”
My sentiments exactly, Mr. Clarey.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/11/sports/tennis/nadal-after-injury-and-illness-enjoys-surprisingly-triumphant-season.html?smid=tw-share&_r=0
So,
2009 : Fed is No.1
2010 : Rafa is No.1
2011 : Nole becomes No.1
2012 : Fed regained the no.1 status
2013 : Rafa regains the no.1 status
2014 : Nole regains No.1 status?
abhirf,
But in 2012, Fed did not end the year at #1, correct?
I guess this has been mentioned in many a by-the-mantlepiece chat before but isn’t it a tragedy the frugality of a win in sport?
This time it was Rafa’s turn but I’m referring to the frustratingly short life of a triumph in general.
The anticipation, nerves, discussions, tensions etc.. to be had building up to the finale of this USO are so quickly brushed aside…
Apart from the inmediate relief, pride and happiness for the winning side and sadness and dissapointment for the losing one.
Then what?
Well, on to the next thing….
The main topic now seems to be whether Nadal will beat Fed’s score… for goodness sake, can’t people just enjoy the moment without fast-forwarding in time!
Yes, if Rafa gets a new Slam he’ll have as many as Sampras.
Yes, if Rafa gets one more he’ll be closer to Fed.
.. wish we could just freeze moments in time and just enjoy them a bit longer that’s all…
and one more thing which is ‘bothering’ me a bit..
So many match reviews talking about how amazingly well Rafa escaped from near defeat on the 3rd set at 4-4 and 0-40. Well, yes, he did manage to hold but why don’t they talk about how convincingly he’d won the 1st set, or does that not count? Not to mention the fact that they would have played on.. the match wasn’t finished by a long run.
Not to mention, if Rafa could contrive a Houdini act in the 3rd set, why didn’t Djokovic contrive one of his own? Oh wait, that would imply a weakness in Djokovic…………
Just read a Bloomberg article tweeted by Brad Gilbert, yes basically saying Rafa is on drugs, how else to explain his US Open win and stellar season so far. How else I deed. Rafael Nadal cannot possibly scale such dizzying heights of excellence without chemical assistance, but Djokovic? Totally.
Btw, am I the only one who was shocked and offended by the US Open trophy ceremony? Was that the occasion for Carillo to ask Rafa about his knees, really? And the money-centric nature of the whole ceremony? Really? Is tennis that tacky now? I wish the US Open organizers could consult the Italians (Rome Masters organizers) about how to conduct a classy trophy presentation. The US Open presentation was degrading to both players. Tennis is not boxing for goodness’ sake where cheques are waived about and stuffed in players’s hands……….a little more decorum was called for. Certainly gives new meaning to the phrase, filthy lucre……
trophy ceremonies should not involve questions. It should just be the players talking for as long as they want, without any kind of time limit or provocation from interviewers.
That is the reason why I watched the third set again. Because seeing it in the moment, I thought that Rafa was just hanging on by his fingernails. But when I watched that set again, I realized that he was in it all the way.
It is true that he just stole that set, but the idea that he was on the ropes or facing defeat is certainly not accurate. No one knew that better than Rafa. That’s why he didn’t panic or give up. He knew that there would be chances in that third set. Once he got the break back at 3-3, then he was right in there with a shot at winning that set. It was nerve wracking for his fans, but Rafa is one cool customer. He wasn’t going away. Rafa knew that he was very much in the fight and that there would be an opening. It turned out to be when he was down 0-40 and had to fight off those break chances.
Shirling: Could not agree more re: the emphasis on breaking this record or that – both by some players (notably Federer and now Djokovic) and by fans passionately wanting their idol to shine even more brightly.
At best records are transitory but the history books are full of stories of men and women who’ve died endeavouring to break them.
We have seen what happened in the past when Rafa pushed himself too hard: fortunately he is now listening to his body and he and his team are aiming for longevity even if that sometimes means sacrificing short terms gains for longer term rewards. Needless to say I will be as thrilled as the next fan if and when Rafa does surpass the magic 17 goalpost. But it is not the be all and end all.
.
I was unhappy that Rafa wasn’t given more of a chance to talk and express his thoughts. I am sure he would have liked to thank his family and team for all their help and support. He should have been able to talk about what it meant to come back from seven months off and have this kind of year. This was his crowning moment.
I remember what happened when Delpo won the 2009 USO. Delpo wanted to speak in Spanish to his fans around the world. But Dick Enberg, who was then still working for CBS sports, wouldn’t let him do it. In the end Delpo did manage to finally say what he wanted to say in Spanish. After the fact, Enberg was widely criticized for his boorish behavior.
They made it so much about the money. I remember thinking to myself – for Rafa this win had nothing to do with money!
Agree with Ricky, the post win interview is banal and the questions trite. Just let the players talk.
I remember Courier asking Andy, in an on court interview, whether he fancied Kate or Pippa…..YUK 🙁 Think that was the complete pits!
On tennis-x they were discussing whether Rafa can tie Fed’s record 17 slam titles. Like that should be what it’s all about. It’s unfortunate, because it’s all about Fed. I don’t think Rafa sees his career that way. I think he sets his own goals.
As if anyone on that site or anywhere else knows what will happen. The key is for Rafa to stay healthy. Whatever he has to do, however he manages his schedule. that is what is important. So he can compete at his best.
Rafa has already done enough to ensure his place as one of the greatest to ever play this sport. Rod Laver, Borg, Sampras and Fed. Rafa is right up there with them now.
Seeing the sudden drop in Fed’s form has made me realise it can happen to anyone, including Rafa. Anything can happen, seriously. Much easier to stay in the moment and enjoy the present……………….
What will be, will be…………..
“If nothing else, this last major has put the final nail in the coffin of Djokovic’s 2011—that’s ancient history now. It’s a new day, and going forward Djokovic will have to rekindle that spirit rather than savor and rest upon it. He can no longer afford to be reluctant.”
http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2013/09/reluctant-warrior/49129/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter#.UjCxqT9RCDc
Totally agree with Bodo statement above. For Djokovic, his fans and pundits, it’s time to move on, let go of 2011. It’s history, that cheque was cashed a long time ago.
#BackToTheDrawingBoard
Rafa already practicing for Davis Cup in Madrid, Uncle Toni and Corretja watching:
https://twitter.com/RafaelNadalFC/status/377843130780770304/photo/1
What a pro!
so is Djokovic.
unreal. respect to both.
RITB@4.08
ritb: You were not alone!
Tacky is the word which comes to mind.
However, nothing will surpass the ineptness of the 2011 AO ceremony when Nole and Rafa had just played the longest ever Slam final (just short of six hours) then had to stand and listen to the CEO of the Japanese sponsor drone on for an eternity before somebody had the wit to bring chairs and water to them. Then the Australian guy rabbited on for ages before they actually got around to presenting the trophies. I remember thinking if they dont get this over with PDQ the boys will have to be stretchered off to hospital.
It’s all about kow-towing to the sponsors whose egos have to be massaged 🙁
and who measure their investment by the no. of minutes exposure on TV, column inches in the press, and so on.
Thankfully Wimbledon is independently wealthy so has no need for all that nonsense and the French don’t dance to the tune of the sponsors to the same extent as the USO and AO.
What irritated me particularly was the lack of marshalling in the stands. They seemed powerless to stop spectators trying to get to their seats even though play was about to resume and Jake Garner’s instruction to just find a seat anywhere was ignored. People in the hospitality rows were amongst the worst culprits – stopping to greet their friends en route blithely unaware they were holding up play.
What I want to know is: do the fans of other players suffer as much as we Rafans when their favs play? We know Muzza puts his fans through the grinder, but then, he and Rafa are friends! Rafa’s Grand parents suffer like us when he plays:
http://rafaelnadalfans.com/2013/09/11/rafael-nadals-grandmother-my-husband-didnt-watch-the-match-due-to-nerves/
yes. some way more than Rafans, I’m sure.
RITB@7.16pm
Like quite a few who used to post on TT my love affair with Rafa dates back to RG 2005. The last player before that who I followed avidly was Agassi and before that McEnroe and my very first fave was Rosewall
(that dates me doesn’t it 🙁 )
I’ve often pondered what it is that provokes such intense feelings. In Rafa’s case it’s his air of vulnerability which makes me feel so protective about him. I wince at every point he loses – not because of the scoreline but because his pain at missing a shot and the bitter disappointment in himself is almost tangible.
I’m also drawn to to players who are unorthodox or, as was the case with Mac, downright rebellious. Hence my liking for Andy who doesn’t just wear his emotions on his sleeve he lays himself bare for the world to see and has no truck with conventional niceties.
In answer to your question I think Federer and Djokovic fans, generally speaking, are drawn to these two for less emotional reasons. In the case of Federer it is his talent and classic style of tennis and with Djokovic it’s a mixture of nationalistic pride and admiration for the back story behind his rise to stardom. I’m sure they agonise during matches every bit as much but I suspect it driven more by worry at the prospect their