Rafael Nadal against Kevin Anderson in the US Open final shaped up as quite a mismatch—and that's exactly what it was. His game at a high level at the end of an unusually easy path through a Grand Slam field, Nadal overwhelmed first-time major finalist Anderson 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 on Sunday to win his third championship at Flushing Meadows, the AP reports. It is the No. 1-ranked Nadal's second Grand Slam title of the year and 16th overall. Among men, only Roger Federer has more, with 19. Each of those two longtime rivals won two of the four majors in 2017, marking a return of both to the heights of their sport.
At No. 32, Anderson was the lowest-ranked US Open men's finalist since the ATP computer rankings began in 1973. The 31-year-old South African had never been past the quarterfinals at any major tournament in 33 previous appearances, so when he won his semifinal on Friday, he climbed into the stands to celebrate. There would be no such joy for him on this day. Nadal simply dominated every facet of the 2.5-hour final. "I know we're the same age, but I feel like I've been watching you my whole life," said Anderson, who is less than a month older than Nadal. "You really have been an idol of mine. And it's tough playing you. You proved it again tonight." (More US Open Tennis stories.)
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