Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after the men's singles final match between Rafael Nadal of Spain and Daniil Medvedev of Russia at the 2019 US Open in New York, the United States, Sept. 8, 2019. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)
Rafael Nadal claims his 19th Grand Slam title, just one shy of Swiss great Roger Federer's all-time men's record of 20 Grand Slam triumphs.
NEW YORK, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Spanish star Rafael Nadal outlasted fifth seed Daniil Medvedev of Russia in a thrilling five-set final to win the US Open title on Sunday.
Nadal survived a stunning comeback by the Russian to notch up the 7-5, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4 victory in one of the most gripping five-set finals in Grand Slam history. The 33-year-old Nadal needed four hours and 50 minutes to finish off the match.
The tension boiled over as the 23-year-old Russian rallied from two sets and a break down to force a decider. However, showing his trademark fighting spirit, Nadal withstood his challenger to win his 19th Grand Slam title in a stunning fashion.
With the victory, Nadal moved just one shy of Swiss great Roger Federer's all-time men's record of 20 Grand Slam triumphs.
Rafael Nadal of Spain holds the trophy during the awarding ceremony after the men's singles final match between Rafael Nadal of Spain and Daniil Medvedev of Russia at the 2019 US Open in New York, the United States, Sept. 8, 2019. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)
"This victory is so important for me," said Nadal as he wiped away tears during the trophy presentation. "The match became more and more difficult, but I was able to hold the nerves. It was a crazy match and I'm just very emotional."
"It was an amazing final. Daniil is only 23-years-old and the way he was able to fight and change the rhythm of the match was amazing. He will have many more opportunities like this," Nadal added.
Rafael Nadal (L) of Spain hugs Daniil Medvedev of Russia after the men's singles final match between Rafael Nadal of Spain and Daniil Medvedev of Russia at the 2019 US Open in New York, the United States, Sept. 8, 2019. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)
Nadal, who was in his fifth US Open final and 27th Grand Slam final, is the first man to claim five major titles after turning 30.
The US Open victory was also Nadal's second Grand Slam title of the year after he won his 12th French Open crown in June.
