US Open: Rafael Nadal Beats Daniil Medevdev To Win Title In Thrilling Five-Setter

Rafael Nadal has emerged as the champion of the US Open for the fourth time but battled through a thrilling five-setter to edge out Daniil Medvedev to clinch the title.

The second seed was coasting for a victory straight sets before Medvedev made a stunning recovery from two sets down as he forced the match fateful five-setter but gave in to defeat hitting a forehand wide on Nadal's serve. The final was decided in 7-5, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4 that lasted for four hours and 53 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday night.

Medvedev really put the Spaniard to test as he did really good on his first-serve and was able to engage his forehand groundstroke to measure up with the four-time champion. The two sets he won in the third and fourth were his first two against the world no. 2 in their second head-to-head encounter in ATP FedEx Series.

Daniil Medvedev and Rafael Nadal

Admitting the resilience faced from the Russian, an emotional Nadal said afterwards, "It's been one of the most emotional night in my tennis career. It was an amazing final since I had the match under control more or less. Tonight, everybody saw why he is number four in the world."

Meanwhile, the Russian coasting ahead in the decider taking a 2-1 early break but the Spaniard dug deep engaging his experience than skills and regain the lead before serving ou the 23-year-old.

"I just want to congratulate Rafa, a 19th Grand Slam title is something unbelievable, outrageous," Medvedev praised the Spaniard on his 27th Grand Slam final appearance.

Nevertheless, Nadal has now closed in on Swiss ace Roger Federer as the second all-time most Grand Slam winner with 19 titles trailed by Novak Djokovic (16) and Pete Sampras (14)who has Roy Emerson (12).

"I just want to congratulate Rafa, a 19th Grand Slam title is something unbelievable, outrageous," said Medvedev, who looked mesmerised as he watched a video montage of Nadal's achievements.