Rafael Nadal is just one behind Roger Federer when it comes to Grand Slam titles after the Spaniard won his 19th at the US Open.
The Spaniard was favourite against maiden Major finalist Daniil Medvedev but it wasn’t as simple as some had predicted.
Nor was it as easy as Nadal thought it might have been when he took a two set lead over the Russian.
Medvedev fought back to take it to a decider though Nadal eventually prevailed 7-5 6-3 5-7 4-6 6-4 in one of the most entertaining finals of all time.
In the end, it all became a bit too much for Nadal. The Spaniard burst into tears as a montage of his 19 wins was played.
“This has been an amazing final,” Nadal said.
“It has been one of the most emotional nights of my tennis career. Thank you very, very much, everybody in this stadium.
“It’s been amazing energy during both weeks. I think there isn’t another stadium in the world that is more energetic than this one so many thanks for everything.
“This victory means a lot, especially the way the match became so difficult, so tough.
"The nerves were so high after having the match under control. It was a crazy match. I don’t know. I’m just emotional."
Nadal had been huge favourite heading into the final with some tipping him to win in straight sets.
The first was tight with each being broken though a break in the 12th game was decisive for Nadal.
It didn’t affect Medvedev though he was powerless to halt a rampaging Nadal in the second set with the Spaniard appearing to be grinding down his opponent.
And when Nadal got a break to make it 3-2 in the third, the match seemed done. Not for Medvedev though.
The Russian fought back, appearing to grow stronger the longer the tie went on. A break back was followed by another and all of a sudden it was 2-1.
Now Medvedev had the momentum and he took it into the fourth, stunning Nadal again to take the final to a decider.
By now the US Open crowd turned the tables. Medvedev was booed entering Arthur Ashe Stadium but he got the crowd on his side and instead Nadal was being jeered for his time-wasting.
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