In a Grand Slam devoid of drama and top players, Rafael Nadal lifted his third US Open and 16th Major trophy without breaking a sweat.
The world number one, the champion also in New York in 2010 and 2013, beat South Africa’s Kevin Anderson 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 on Sunday to cap an impressive campaign where the top seed breezed through opposition. It was his fifth title of the year and 74th of his career, and brought his Grand Slam tally to just three behind Roger Federer’s record 19.
But what made his record even more incredible is the run he has had this season, after missing a large chunk of last year with a career-threatening injury. He came back, changed his game and was back to winning ways on more than just his favoured clay courts. In fact, this was his first hard court title in over three years.
As the Spaniard savoured his trophy and thanked life for the opportunity to fight, tennis fans on Twitter went all out to celebrate Rafa’s triumph. Here’s a look at the best tweets after Nadal’s sweet 16 at Flushing Meadows.
Believe it or not
Congratulations poured in
Starting with the runner up...
The year of Fedal
A Game of Thrones reference (why not) to end
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