Rafael Nadal hails ‘unbelievable and very emotional’ year

Rafael Nadal pulled to within three Grand Slam titles of Roger Federer in their personal duel for all-time greatness last night when he cruised to a US Open triumph before an adoring crowd at Flushing Meadows.

The 31 year-old Spaniard collected his 16th Major with an imperious display that overwhelmed South African Kevin Anderson 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 in just under two-and-a-half hours.

With Federer on 19, it meant that they split the sport’s biggest titles between them eleven years after it first happened. And for both it came after a year when it seemed their best might be behind them.

Rafael Nadal is the US Open champion after beating Kevin Anderson in the final on Sunday

Nadal spoke afterwards about the emotions he was experiencing after a tough time with injury

Nadal spoke afterwards about the emotions he was experiencing after a tough time with injury

The Spaniard gets a good grip on his prize having found a way past Anderson in the final

The Spaniard gets a good grip on his prize having found a way past Anderson in the final

‘Of course it’s a very special two weeks for me,’ said Nadal, who had another serial Major winner, Tiger Woods, in his support box.

‘It is just unbelievable what happened this year, after a couple of years with some troubles, injuries, some moments playing not good.

‘Since the beginning of the season it has been very emotional. I have been playing a very high level of tennis and to close the Grand Slam year with a win here in New York, it is one of the events which brings me higher energy.’

There were words of praise for Nadal for his long-term coach and uncle, Toni

There were words of praise for Nadal for his long-term coach and uncle, Toni

Tiger Woods was watching on as Nadal triumphed with a three-set victory in New York

Tiger Woods was watching on as Nadal triumphed with a three-set victory in New York

He also paid tribute to his uncle Toni, who has overseen his career since childhood and is retiring as his main coach: ‘I can’t thank him enough for all the things that he did for me, probably without him I would never be playing tennis.

‘It’s great that I had somebody like him pushing me all the time. For sure he is one of the most important people in my life.’

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