World No. 2 Rafael Nadal claimed his fourth US Open title and 19th Grand Slam crown when he defeated Russian Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4 in Sunday’s final at Flushing Meadows.
The result means this year’s major titles are shared between Rafa, at the French and US Open, and Novak Djokovic, at the Australian Open and Wimbledon.
Rafa:
This has been an amazing final. First word that I have is to Daniil. His summer is one of the best summers I’ve ever seen since I’ve been playing.
Tonight, everybody saw why he is the number four player in the world at just 23 years old. Many congratulations for everything. The way that he was able to fight, to change the rhythm of the match was just incredible. All the very best for the future, I am sure you will have many more chances to win here.
It has been one of the most emotional nights of my tennis career. Thank you very, very much, everybody in this stadium. It’s been amazing energy during both weeks. I think there isn’t another stadium in the world that is more energetic than this one so many thanks for everything.
This victory means a lot, especially the way the match became so difficult, so tough.
The nerves were so high after having the match under control. It was a crazy match.
I don’t know. I’m just emotional. (via BBC)
Roger Federer remains at the top of the men’s all-time Grand Slam list with 20 titles, only one ahead of Rafa, who has now won 12 French titles, four US, two Wimbledon and one Australian.
Congratulations, Rafa!
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain walks on court before his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: (L-R) Daniil Medvedev of Russia and Rafael Nadal of Spain stand together before their Men’s Singles final match on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: A young fan cheers for Rafael Nadal of Spain during the Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot during his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NNEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot during his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain ret during the third set of his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
NNEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: A detailed view of shoes worn by Rafael Nadal of Spain are seen during his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NNEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain is seen during his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain looks on during his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NNEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates a point during his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning the first set during his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning the first set during his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning set point during his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot during his Men’s Singles final match against Danill Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Chaz Niell/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot during his Men’s Singles final match against Danill Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Chaz Niell/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot during the second set of his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates a point during the third set of his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates a point during the third set of his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
NNEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain ret during the third set of his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain sits in his chair during the third set of his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: A general view is seen during the Men’s Singles final match between Rafael Nadal of Spain and Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot during his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during the fifth set of his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NNEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates a point during the fifth set of his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates a point during the fifth set of his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
NNEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates a point during the fifth set of his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NNEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after winning his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
2019 US Open Tennis Tournament- Day Fourteen. Rafael Nadal of Spain lays on the court to celebrate his five set win against Danill Medvedev of Russia in the Men’s Singles Final on Arthur Ashe Stadium during the 2019 US Open Tennis Tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 8th, 2019 in Flushing, Queens, New York City. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after winning his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after winning his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts before the trophy presentation ceremony after winning his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after winning his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after winning his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal (R) of Spain celebrates with the championship trophy alongside finalist Daniil Medvedev (L) of Russia and tennis champion Rod Laver (C) during the trophy presentation ceremony after their Men’s Singles final match on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal (R) of Spain celebrates with the championship trophy alongside tennis champion Rod Laver (L) during the trophy presentation ceremony after winning his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal (R) of Spain celebrates with the championship trophy alongside tennis champion Rod Laver (L) during the trophy presentation ceremony after winning his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates with the championship trophy during the trophy presentation ceremony after winning his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates with the championship trophy during the trophy presentation ceremony after winning his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates with the championship trophy during the trophy presentation ceremony after winning his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
2019 US Open Tennis Tournament- Day Fourteen. Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates with the winners trophy after his five set victory against Danill Medvedev of Russia in the Men’s Singles Final on Arthur Ashe Stadium during the 2019 US Open Tennis Tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 8th, 2019 in Flushing, Queens, New York City. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates with the championship trophy during the trophy presentation ceremony after winning his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
2019 US Open Tennis Tournament- Day Fourteen. Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates with the winners trophy after his five set victory against Danill Medvedev of Russia in the Men’s Singles Final on Arthur Ashe Stadium during the 2019 US Open Tennis Tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 8th, 2019 in Flushing, Queens, New York City. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
Photo via US Open
Photo via US Open
Photo via US Open
Photo via US Open
Photo via US Open
Photo via US Open
Yes,yes,yes,yes!!!!! Every ounce of your being came to life tonight!! A wonderful ending for a more than wonderful human being and tennis icon. An example for all in the world to emulate on so many levels. Thank you Rafa for being you!!!!
Rafa ur not just a player, ur a feeling, ur the happiness, the hope that I ‘ll always have. From boy wonder to a living legend,from a tennis player to a global icon, from a good player to the greatest player , time changes but ur love for the game to be the best every moment, that hunger never changed.
19 is just a number. Watching you competing at the highest level , giving everything u have in every moment gives me the greatest pleasure .
VAMOSS RAFA NADAL- MR. UNFORGETTABLE FOREVER
God bless you Rafa and heartfelt congratulations, a massive fight and a glorious win , completely unforgettable ! No way will I sleep tonight …..
And you will not get your well deserved rest either : just activate all your energy reserves and have a magical, exciting and dream-like wedding with your beautiful bride and all your beloved family in Mallorca!
Best wishes to the best sportsman in the world !
OMG Rafa, scenes. I said earlier that Med was the player who finds a way, and I also said back during Montreal that he was dangerous, but Rafa overcame it all. I never thought this would happen, honestly when Rafa made the final it felt too good to be true. During the match I had to shut out all thoughts of slam counts or records and just see it as a match – and what a match it turned out to be.
It’s kind of become Rafa’s responsibility to give each tournament he plays a classic match, that box ticked, but it takes two. I have no doubt that Daniil will have a very successful career, congrats to him for the fight and great play, but tonight I am so happy for Rafa, the greatest fighter of them all. This clearly meant so much to him. He made 19 in 19 happen 💜
CONGRATULATIONS RAFA
RAFA IS AMAZING
Congratulations Rafa!! What an amazing display of talent and resilience.
A true champion and legend!!!!
What a match!💪🏼Rafa, you are amazing, incredible! I could hardly hold my nerves😙😙😙 you did it again! Congrats and a big, big hug!😘❤️🏆
Congrats, we expected you to win,but sometimes the road to victory can be tough. You made my week more exciting Rafa
Boy Oh boy! What an emotional roller coaster. I’m totally exhausted, but it was all worth it to see Rafa get over the finish line and win his 19th. We could all see how much it means to him.
Well done to Daniil Medvedev. He’s earned a lot of respect for his work ethic and never-say-die attitude.
A lovely heart felt speech by both guys tonight. I’m so happy for them, especially Rafa.
Thanks all you Rafans for sharing this incredible moment. Our champ is the best!
It’s now 2.50am and I’m going to bed to get a good rest.
I just made a donation to charity in honor of Rafa. Congratulations to Rafa👏 We all suffered today but Rafa did it👍 Thank you everyone🙏
Real Fan you are Mimi
Thank you, Khawartaimoor🙏 We all love Rafa because he is an amazing champion on and off the court!❤️
When Rafa went through very tough time during 2015 and 2016, I made a promise to myself that I would make a donation to charity if he wins a gold medal, (Rafa was playing at the Rio Olympics at the time) a master 1000 title, WTF, and a grand slam title of course. He played doubles with Marc and they somehow won the gold medal even Rafa was not 100% at the time. It was a wonderful moment to see two good friends accomplished glory for themselves and their country👏👏
I don’t remember how many donations I have made in honor of Rafa since 2016 but I am very happy I have had the opportunity to do it four times this year so far……🤗
Wow God bless you and Off course Rafa… I can’t count but I always pray for Rafa… I read daily news of Rafa then start my day… It’s my daily Routine. I just love his Personality and Living style because he is so humble, simple and loves his family more than anything
Khawartaimoor,
We have so many good reasons why we all love Rafa so much but it looks like you and I have the same daily routine 😂
Rafa deserves all our love and support and much much more……Vamos RAFA💪❤️
Without a doubt
I wonder what our routine we will have when Rafa hangs his racquet
There are no words to describe Rafa’s win against another fighter like Medvedev. He is so inspiring!! far beyond the tennis court. He is inspiring for life!! Rafa, you are unique!!!!!
Wow, Rafa, what an incredible match, victory, Championship!!! Congratulations so much!!! ♥️💪🏻🔥🏆!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rafantastic, vamosssssss!!!
Love you a bunch Rafa! Thanks for the memories of USO 2019.
Thankfully I can now go back to my normal sleeping patterns:) No more staying up late to watch Rafa matches.
Amazing play from both players. I will enjoy watching the replays now knowing that our champ came through. Whew!
Well don Rafa congratulations you play amazing tennis we all suffer is your number 19 love your fans for ever🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆😘❤️🇺🇸
No words. What a match! So proud of Rafa. This was unreal.
#19 is just amazing.
Congratulations Rafans
Roger here we come after you
Number #19 is done now
Very scary match, Rafa as usual makes hard work of it.
Congrats to Rafa, well done, no.19 in the pocket! Rafa crying, full of emotions when they show every one of his slam wins!
So happy for Rafa, for all that he has achieved! Congrats our Champion! Vamos again.
Congratulations
What a win
Massive Congratulations Rafael, you certainly need a rest after that mammoth match, bravo!! Much love 💕 xxx
Congratulations Rafa! Vamos. God bless you
We all suffered with him guys but in the end it was all worth it..we did it congratulations everyone… number 19 is here