It seemed that Rafael Nadal was cruising to victory in the 2019 US Open final against Daniil Medvedev, but the Russian came back from two sets down to force a fifth set and that’s when the world number two eventually got the job done.
Nadal won the match in New York 7-5, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4, a contest that lasted four hours and 48 minutes.
It was an incredible match, with Medvedev doing a brilliant job to stay in it after Nadal won a tight first set and a more comfortable second set.
The Spaniard even led 3-1 in the third, but Medvedev was able to keep firing and he embarked on a run that took Nadal some time to stop.
Nadal broke his opponent in a 28-shot rally to go 3-2 up in the decisive set, but the drama wasn’t done there.
They each lost their serve once more, before Nadal served for his fourth US Open championship – and eventually sealed the deal.
‘One of the greatest finals’ – Reaction
Thirty-nine-time Grand Slam champion Billie Jean King: One for the ages! Absolutely incredible #USOpen Men’s Singles Final with the indomitable @RafaelNadal winning his fourth US Open title. Congratulations, Rafa!
2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens: Wowwww that was unreal tennis – talk about leaving it all on the court. What a battle. Congrats Rafael
Nadal & you too Daniil Medvedev
Former US Open finalist Greg Rusedski: What we have just witnessed is one of the greatest US Open men’s finals in the history of tennis. Daniil
Medvedev was incredible to fight back from two sets down and a break. Rafael Nadal showed us why he is the greatest competitor we have ever seen on a tennis court. Slam No. 19!
Tennis great Rod Laver: Congratulations Rafael Nadal, a gutsy victory to claim your 19th major, fourth US Open crown and second Slam title this year after the French. Stand tall friend, you are closing in, it was a privilege to present this trophy to you tonight.
