This archive report was first published on 9 September 2019.
Published on September 9, 2019, Rafael Nadal's victory at the U.S. Open marked his 19th Grand Slam title.
Nadal's path to victory was not without its challenges, particularly in the third set where he broke Medvedev to take a 3-2 lead. However, Medvedev broke back and held for 4-3.
Medvedev's determination was evident in the 28-shot rally that took both players to and fro until Nadal hit a forehand into the net, eliciting cheers from the fans.
With Nadal serving at 5-6, Medvedev won the first three points, including a sizzling forehand down the line at 0-15 that caused the crowd to erupt. He then sealed the set with a backhand winner at 15-40.
Medvedev's strategy of serving-and-volleying more in the fourth set paid off, but Nadal held on until the 10th game. Medvedev eventually sealed the set with a backhand winner down the line past an approaching Nadal.
Medvedev had chances to pull ahead early in the fifth set, but Nadal saved three break points in his first service game. Nadal eventually broke Medvedev at 2-2 in the fifth set, consolidating the break with a hold for 4-2.
He earned a second break to go ahead by 5-2, but was broken when serving for the championship, double-faulting on break point after losing his first serve for a time violation.
