Watch US Open Highlights: Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic Wage War For Men's Singles Crown – Top Plays, Statistics & Results
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, the top two tennis players in the world, are out to reignite their storied rivalry once again, but this time, their 37th meeting of their career will determine the new US Open champion on Monday in Flushing Meadows, New York.
As everybody expected, the US Open would come down to these two tennis gladiators who will not show even an ounce of mercy towards each other. Nadal has been bullish throughout the tournament, dominating every opponent with sheer strength and high level tennis skills.
On the other hand, Djokovic showed great deal of determination in overcoming great odds, including a spirited challenge by Stanislas Wawrinka in their scintillating five-seat semifinal showdown on Saturday.
However, despite the contrasting manner of their semifinal wins, Djokovic and Nadal are all set to be an epic battle, which could go down as one of the greatest men's singles championship match in the history of US Open.
Whether it is statistics or plain gut-feeling, both netters are pretty much even. Nadal holds a 21-15 record in 36 head-to-head encounters with Djokovic, but the Serb is historically better in hard court matches.
"Hard court is my most successful surface," Djokovic told reporters ahead of his matchup with Nadal. "This is where I can say I feel most comfortable and confident. Hopefully, I can perform better than I did in the Wimbledon final and maybe get a chance to win a trophy."
Meanwhile, Nadal couldn't find an adjective to describe his feeling after making into the final of the US Open despite missing the tourney last year with a troublesome knee. Nadal is also aware of the strong presence of Djokovic, but he is up to the challenge as ever.
"Novak is an amazing competitor. His results say he is one of best players I have ever seen," Nadal said. "He's a great champion and it will be a tough final for me but I hope I will be ready for that."
Quick Recap & Highlights
So, we already know it. Rafael Nadal capped a terrific year with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 victory over Novak Djokovic to win his second US Open championship and 13th Grand Slam of his career, moving him five Slams away to tying Roger Federer.
As expected, Nadal enters the 37th showdown with Djokovic with fiery attitude as he cruised to an easy win in first set. Djokovic responded in big way in the second set, outsmarting Nadal in long rallies - including a brutal 57-shot exchange - to level the playing field at 1-1. But Nadal was simply too strong and hungry to collapse. The Mallorcan Bull dominated the next two sets to bag the title in Flushing Meadows.
Here are the highlights of the US Open Championship men's singles final
Highlights and More Statistics Set To Come After Match