US Open men's final 2017: Rafael Nadal beats Kevin Anderson in straight sets for sixteenth Grand Slam title
Top-seed Nadal beat Anderson 6-3 6-3 6-4 in the US Open final
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Your support makes all the difference.Rafael Nadal proved far too good for Kevin Anderson as he claimed a 16th grand slam title at the US Open.
The world number one lived up to his billing as the heavy favourite with a 6-3 6-3 6-4 victory over surprise finalist Anderson.
It completed a throwback year in men's tennis at the slams, with Nadal and Roger Federer claiming all the titles between them for the first time since 2010.
Nadal has once again closed to within three of Federer's all-time record of 19 slam singles titles, while the 'big four' can now lay claim to 46 of the last 51.
There have been highs and lows in New York since Nadal's maiden title seven years ago but this was one of his most dominant performances, with the 31-year-old losing just 15 points on serve in the match and not facing a single break point.
Relive all of the live action below.
What time is it?
The final is expected to start at 9pm BST. That's 4pm in New York.
What have they been saying?
Rafael Nadal
“For me, what is more important than winning Slams is to be happy.
“I am happy if I am healthy and happy if I feel competitive in most of the weeks that I am playing, and that's what happened this year.
“Of course winning or losing that final is a big change, but I am very happy about all the things that happen to me and I am going to fight to win another title here.
“But it's still been a great season for me.”
Kevin Anderson
“I knew in my mind there was opportunity there, but I must be honest, I didn't focus really too much on that.
“We are sort of accustomed to the few guys doing well, exceptional consistency.
“It's tough beating those guys because they have had so much experience at this level.
“Even with them out, there have still been a lot of challenges I've had to face throughout this week. I have faced some of the best tennis players in the world.”
Odds
Nadal to win: 1/8
Anderson to win: 11/2
Anderson 3-6, 3-6, 2-3 Nadal*
The top seed is easing up just a little bit. Anderson holds to love.
Anderson* 3-6, 3-6, 2-4 Nadal
Nadal is definitely slowing down just a little, and isn’t playing quite as aggressively as he was during the first two sets. Anderson blasts a return back down the line to move 0-15 up, but some superb serving from Nadal wins him the game.
We’re close to the finishing line now. Try as he might, Anderson just can’t lay a glove on his opponent.
Anderson 3-6, 3-6, 3-4 Nadal*
Better from the South African, who baits Nadal into a forehand error before belting a massive ace past him. That’s the tenth straight point on his serve.
Nadal manages to snap that streak with a crushing volley, but Anderson holds his nerve. He continues to serve big and wins the game when Nadal fails to reach a kick serve out wide.
Anderson* 3-6, 3-6, 3-5 Nadal
Nadal holds to love. He’s one game away from winning the US Open.
Anderson 3-6, 3-6, 4-5 Nadal*
Nadal looks determined to win this final now, cranking up the pressure and taking a big step up the court to take Anderson’s serve early. He wins the first point of the game with a thumping shot, but Anderson isn’t rolling over easily and battles back to take a 40-15 lead.
He holds with his second ace of the game and gives it a big fist-pump. Nadal has to serve this one out.
Rafael Nadal has won the 2017 US Open, beating Kevin Anderson 6-3 6-3 6-4!
Some drama in the final game of the evening as Anderson takes Nadal to deuce for the very first time! But the Spaniard managed to hold his nerve when it most mattered, winning the next two points to seal his third US Open triumph.
Kevin Anderson has just been interviewed after collecting his runners-up trophy. Here's what he had to say...
I want to congratulate Rafa. I know we are the same age but I feel I have been watching you my whole life. You are an idol of mine and you are a great ambassador for our sport.
I want to say thank you for the support from back home in South Africa, to my wife and my brother, but also my parent back home. You built me a wall in my back yard and taught me to fight for everything.
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