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

Nadal made light work of Anderson in the final of the US Open (Getty)

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.

Nadal beat Anderson in straight sets in the US Open final (Getty)

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

Nadal is the favourite to win the final (Getty)

“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

Anderson has never played in a Slam final before (Getty)

“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

[11 September 2017 00:38 · Vithushan Ehantharajah]

And here's what Rafa Nadal had to say...

It is a very special two weeks for me, but first I want to say congratulations to Kevin who has come back better than ever after some tough injuries. You are a great example to all the players on tour.

To close the Grand Slam year with a win in New York, brings me to a higher energy because the crowd is unbelievable here.