World number one Rafael Nadal won his 16th Grand Slam title and third US Open crown on Sunday by defeating South African 28th seed Kevin A...
World number one Rafael Nadal won his 16th Grand Slam title and third US Open crown on Sunday by defeating South African 28th seed Kevin Anderson 6-3, 6-3, 6-4.
The 31-year-old left-hander captured the top prize of $3.7 million (3.07 million euros) and his second Grand Slam crown of the year after taking his 10th French Open title in June.
The world number one, the champion also in New York in 2010 and 2013, added the US title to the record 10th French Open he captured in June.
Old rival Roger Federer won the season’s other two Slams at the Australian Open, beating Nadal in the final, and Wimbledon in an illustration of the two Grand Slam greats’ enduring appeal and power.
Nadal’s Grand Slam tally is just three behind Federer’s record 19.
For Nadal, it was his fifth title of the year and 74th of his career while the $3.7 million (3.07 euros) winner’s prize boosted his earnings to a shade under $90 million.
“It’s a very special two weeks for me. It’s unbelievable what’s happened this year after some seasons with serious injuries and not playing very well,” said Nadal.
“It’s been an emotional year since the Australian Open. I played a high level of tennis and winning here in New York again it’s unbelievable.”
Nadal also praised his coach and uncle Toni who has coached him since he was three but who will step down from his team at the end of the year.
“I cannot thank him enough,” said the champion.
“Without him I would not be here playing tennis. He gave me strength and motivation. When I had injury problems I got through them because of him.”
‘It was an honor’
It was a desperately disappointing afternoon for Anderson, the world number 32 playing in his maiden Slam final at the 34th attempt.
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