Nadal Collects Another Grand Slam Event Title

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 10th September 2013

Nadal Collects Another Grand Slam Event Title

epa03860226 Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates with the championship trophy after defeating Novak Djokovic of Serbia during the men's final on the fifteenth day of the 2013 US Open Tennis Championship at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York, USA, 09 September 2013. The US Open runs through Monday 09 September, a 15-day schedule for the first time. EPA/JUSTIN LANE |

Rafael Nadal has now won 13 Grand Slam event titles, moving him to within just four of Roger Federer’s all time record and nudging the Spaniard from Majorca one behind Pete Sampras, but says winning this year’s US Open was the most moving after the injury travails of last year when many believed he was a spent force.

Nadal’s 6‑2, 3‑6, 6‑4, 6‑1 win over world no.1 Novak Djokovic meant he has now gone 22 matches unbeaten in 2013 on hard court; a surface he publicly criticized as being dangerous to tennis players’ health earlier this year and one that was thought to bring on his own high profile knee problems.

The New York triumph marked the 27 year-old’s tenth title of the year. In June he won the French Open for a record eighth time but little more than a fortnight later limped away from a Wimbledon first round defeat against journeyman Steve Darcis and more doubt hung over his career.

But a winning run that saw Nadal take the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 series hard court titles in Montreal and Cincinnati continued through seven matches at Flushing Meadows that underlined his legendary status many times over. And in terms of big finance, he pocketed a colossal $3.6 million – $2.6m for winning his second US Open and an additional $1m bonus as champion of the US Open series.

“I am 100% sure it is the most emotional season of my career,” said Nadal who last won the US Open in 2010, also beating Djokovic in the final although the Serb gained revenge the following year. “This season is probably the most emotional one in my career. I felt that I did everything right to have my chance here.”

This time last year the most strenuous thing Nadal could contemplate was a few hour’s fishing and the seven months long absence because of Hoffa’s Syndrome in his left knee did not see him play competitively until February.

“All of my team knows how much this match today means to me,” maintained Nadal. “Playing against Novak is always a very special feeling and nobody brings my game to the limit like he does.

“Having this success is amazing. I never expected it. That’s life and I’m lucky to have what I’m having. I really love the competition; I really love the sport. All my career, I dreamed to be involved in matches like today. I enjoy every moment.”

And there was a tone of poignancy as Nadal added: “These things are not forever. In a few years I won’t have this chance. I try my best, I have passion and that’s all I can do.”

Reigning Australian Open champion Djokovic has now contested five US Open finals and lost four of them. The Serb admitted. “Rafa was too good, he definitely deserved to win this match and the trophy. Obviously, it’s disappointing to lose a match like this. Again, it was a huge privilege and an honor to fight for this trophy.”

Now the debate of can Nadal surpass Federer is in full swing? And John McEnroe, seven-time Grand Slam champion is in no doubt. “If he stays healthy, he can easily win four or five more Slams; no question about it,” insisted McEnroe. “To me, he’s better than ever.

“It’s amazing how badly he wants it. I’ve never seen anything like it. Let’s hope he stays healthy because it will be great for our sport.”

Topics: 10sballs, Atp World Tour, Grand Slam, Novak Djokovic, Pete Sampras, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Sports, Tennis, US Open

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NewYorkPuck says:

September 10, 2013 at 7:51 am

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