At this year’s US Open, nearly all experts were marveling upon the resurgence of the sport’s two greatest players — Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
Coming back from hampering injuries last season, the two legends dominated all three slams throughout the year and were set to clash once again in the semifinals of the US Open, or so fans thought.
After getting to the quarters, the entire world was ready for a battle of the ages between these two compatriots. Instead, with Federer being knocked out by the inspiring giant-killer, Juan Martin Del Potro, fans were left with a surprisingly more compelling story within the heart and soul of Nadal, and a magical end between a player and coach.
Squaring off against the 6-8 behemoth that is Kevin Anderson, the No. 28 seed is always a tough task to conquer. However, with Nadal as the other opponent, there was no doubt the Spaniard could handle the challenge, and that he did. Before the match, Anderson had a few words to say about his approach.
“I’m going to have to play some good tennis. I’m sticking to my game. Keeping it simple is going to be the most important thing,” Anderson told Tom Rinaldi.
Nadal didn’t stay silent either, referencing his previous appearances at the U.S. Open.
“I’m four years older than my last final but I’m very happy to be back,” Nadal said.
After a trade of points, Anderson aced his way through the first game. Nadal held serve as well, and the battle continued toward 3 all, even as Anderson struggled with unforced errors and a couple of double faults. Anderson served at deuce, double faulted, and had another unforced error on break point, his 21st of the match, which gave Nadal the crucial break.
Anderson continued to fight, but Nadal proved to be too much, breaking again and taking the first set, 6-3. Nadal continued his service holds in the second set, not allowing the South African to reach break point, although Anderson seemed to be getting closer.
At 3-2, Nadal, Anderson was set to serve, going down 0-30 soon after. After trading points, Nadal took advantage at the net, put the ball away and forced the break to go up 4-2. Nadal would again hold serve the rest of the set, taking it 6-3. The start of the third set spelled disaster for Anderson, as he would be broken on the very first game, then going down 2-0.
Nadal would never let up again, as Anderson continued to toward 5-4 in the third. After fighting his way to deuce, Anderson was forced to face a championship point as a Nadal ace whipped wide. With another great serve down the T, Nadal served and volleyed, closing out the match, 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. Nadal, as his hands and head looked to the sky, won his third US Open and •16th overall major.
Some may say this U.S. Open final did not mean much, as the straight sets score would suggest. No disrespect to Anderson either, who had a fantastic run at this U.S. Open, and will hopefully continue to reach deep into the majors.
However, many would agree, this was the most special, most important major win to that of Rafael Nadal. Through the intense training as a youngster, forging his name in the juniors, breaking through at the French as an 18 year old, his legendary rivalry with Roger Federer and now after this win, there has been one man always beside him. Toni Nadal, or as most fans call him, “Uncle Toni,” has been Rafa’s coach ever since the age of three. But he has been more than a coach over the past 28 years, he has been a strong motivation and inspiration toward the perseverance that resides within Nadal.
After so long with his protege, Toni will be stepping down from coaching to spend more time at his academy in Spain, this match marking the last for the pair.
"That will be great for my academy, and will be great for the kids," Toni told ESPN.
Rafal had some emotional words to share after the match about his coach.
"I think because he was strong and had great motivation to practice with me since I was a kid, I have been able to get through all these problems I've had in my career in terms of injuries. That makes me stronger, and I just can say thank you very much to him, because, for sure, he's one of the most important people in my life,” Nadal told ESPN.
As he stated, what makes this win even greater, is the comeback Nadal has had from the injuries these last couple of years, and now coming to New York and winning one last major with his Uncle. Whether you're a fan of the Nadal's or not, you can't help but admire the run that these two have had and the fight Nadal presents in every single match.
Nadal’s acquired 849 match wins, 74 ATP Titles, 2 Olympic gold medals, 16 major titles, including 10 French Opens, 3 US Opens, 2 Wimbledon wins, 1 Australian open and of course, his 23-14 head-to-head lead over Roger Federer.
The rivalry with Federer will surely continue and eventually end when their carriers come to close, and there’s sure to be a few more major wins left in the feisty Spaniard, but the memory of this win, and the relationship between coach and player, will last a lifetime.
