Emotional high five!

Nineteen-time Grand Slam champ Rafael Nadal says five-set US Open final thriller against Russia's Daniil Medvedev was an incredible battle of nerves

New York: Rafael Nadal captured his 19th career Grand Slam title in thrilling fashion on Sunday by winning the US Open final, outlasting Russia's Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4 to seize his fourth crown in New York. The Spanish left-hander moved one shy of Roger Federer's all-time men's record 20 Grand Slam triumphs and became the second-oldest New York champion in the Open era after Ken Rosewall in 1970 at age 35. "Has been one of the most emotional nights in my tennis career," Nadal said.

World No. 2 Nadal took the top prize of $3.85 million (Rs 27.5 cr) at Arthur Ashe Stadium and added to his US Open trophy haul from 2010, 2013 and 2017. Nadal, who was in his fifth US Open championship match and 27th Grand Slam final, is the first man to claim five major titles after turning 30. But it took a supreme effort from the Spanish maestro, who nearly became the first player to drop the final after leading by two sets since Ted Schroeder in 1949. "This victory means a lot," Nadal said.

"And the way it happened...it was hard to control the nerves. The nerves were so high after having the match almost under control."

Nadal, who rose to 22-12 in five-set matches, only lost once at a Slam when up two sets, to Italy's Fabio Fognini in the 2015 US Open third round. "I more or less had the match under control," Nadal said.

"The way he was able to fight, to change the rhythm of the match, was incredible."

At four hours and 50 minutes, the match finished four minutes short of equaling the longest final in US Open history from Mats Wilander's 1988 win and Andy Murray's 2012 title. It was the second Slam title of the year for Nadal after taking his 12th French Open crown in June.

In addition to reaching the brink of Federer's mark, Nadal moved one shy of the Open era record five US Open titles won by Federer, Jimmy Connors and Pete Sampras.

Four
No. of US Open trophies won by Rafael Nadal

Two
No. of Grand Slam titles Nadal has won this year

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