Novak Djokovic's unbelievable year of dominance continued as he beat defensive champion Rafael Nadal 6-2 6-4 6-7 (3/7) 6-1 to win the US Open. The world number one had compressed his rival in each of their previous five meeting this season, all finals, and got the perfect start at Flushing Meadows as a run of six successive games saw him take the opening set.
And although Nadal, who beat Djokovic in last year's final, battled his way back into the match in the third set in particular, every time it seemed he might be getting the upper hand his opponent upped his game still further. It was a fourth grand slam title for Djokovic and the third of an extraordinary 2011 in which he has won 64 out of 66 matches.
Djokovic looked set for a more contented win when he led 6-5 in an epic third set featuring numerous breaks of serve, only to be broken again and forced into a tie-break. Nadal stormed into a 5-1 lead and, after Djokovic dragged it back to 5-3, some questionable shot selection from the Serbian gave Nadal three set points, the first of which he reformed when Djokovic powered a forehand into the net.
Djokovic received action for an apparent back problem before the start of the fourth set and took a full medical time-out after holding serve in the gap game. But with the whole thing now seemingly in Nadal's favor, Djokovic defied the odds to break for a 2-0 lead on his fifth break point - his second having gone begging when a broken string sent a forehand marine long.
The Serb was rejuvenated and broke Nadal again in the sixth game for a 5-1 lead and a second chance to serve out for the title. This time there was to be no mistake and a forehand winner sealed a theatrical win.It's an incredible, incredible feeling, Djokovic said.I've had an amazing year and it keeps going but every time I play Rafa it's a big confront and I want to congratulate him on a great tournament.
I wish we have many more tough matches in upcoming years.Nadal paid tribute to Djokovic, adding:Obviously I'm disappointed but this guy is doing unbelievable things so congratulations Novak and your team for everything. What you did this year is probably impossible to repeat. I try my best in every instant, these kinds of matches are very hard, and it bring your body to the limit.
I tried to play great but he forever makes a unbelievable comeback. That's tennis; I tried my best and am happy with what I did. I ran to every ball and fight until the last ball.This year I lost a lot of finals alongside him but I won a lot in the past and the only thing I can do is try my best every day to keep humanizing and for sure I will come back next year and try my best.