0145: A fantastic match that felt like a five-setter, and Novak Djokovic wins his third Grand Slam of the year, becoming only the sixth man to do so.
Read our report from David Ornstein
and check back later - oh, go on then, in the morning - for all the reaction. Thanks for your input over the last 15 wee... days of the US Open, it's been magic. Now, I've got a court booked for midday. Any chance of moving it back a bit....?
From Jdmm89 via text: "I love being proved wrong! What a performance from Novak Djokovic. Best match of the year by a mile! Worth being late for work tomorrow...... I THINK SO!!"
From anon via text: "Ice baths all round! Congratulations Nole, one away from a career grand slam! "
From sssssarah on Twitter:
"We are so lucky, so incredibly spoiled by the tennis we've just seen. Roll on the World Tour Finals at the O2. #bbctennis"
From Rooseys08 on Twitter:
"What Nadal has just said just shows what a champion he is. Absolutely fantastic ambassador to the sport and a true role model. #bbctennis"
0135: Djokovic - "It really sounds unreal [to be US Open champion], it's an incredible feeling. I had an amazing year and it keeps growing. Every time I play Rafa it's a great challenge and I wish that we have many more tough matches in the upcoming years." And on 9/11: "I just want to add to what Rafa said, this is more important than sport. We cannot realise how lucky we are to live and do something that we love."
0131: Nadal - "Obviously I'm disappointed, but this guy's doing unbelievable things, what you did this year is probably impossible to repeat, so well done. I try my best in every moment. These kinds of matches are very difficult. I tried to play aggressive but he always makes a fantastic comeback. That's tennis. I'm happy with what I did. This year I lost a lot of finals against him, I have to accept it, and for sure next year I will come back and try my best." And remembering Sunday's 9/11 anniversary, he adds: "All the best to the families of the victims."
Nadal 2-6 4-6 7-6 (7-3) 1-6 Djokovic Djokovic is not messing about this time and calmly moves to 30-0, only for Nadal to hit a blistering backhand return winner. Djokovic then sends a forehand out and it's 30-30. Nerves there, nerves here.... a serve out wide and a controlled backhand down the line give Djokovic
championship point..... and he steps back and slams a forehand winner! US Open champion after four hours and 10 minutes.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC BEATS RAFAEL NADAL 6-2 6-4 6-7 6-1 TO WIN THE US OPEN FOR THE FIRST TIME
Nadal 2-6 4-6 7-6 (7-3) 1-5 Djokovic * Djokovic is well and truly back, a huge return and a ruthless backhand down the line take him to 0-30. Nadal then nets a backhand and it's 0-40 and
three break points for Djokovic..... and Nadal goes long with a backhand! That must be that, surely.
From mrmichaelosborn on Twitter:
"Djoker so close to completing the most remarkable year in tennis ever! But think rafa will still have a say before the end. Vamos #bbctennis"
* Nadal 2-6 4-6 7-6 (7-3) 1-4 Djokovic A couple of first serves help Djokovic no end, and the pace drops as he eases through a love game, although it's not without a few winces and feels of his back. A smash does the job though and he's looking a strong favourite once again.
Nadal 2-6 4-6 7-6 (7-3) 1-3 Djokovic * Nadal races to a quick hold and is back to "Vamos!", having apparently shelved the "Come on!" experiment.
From From Jdmm89 via text: "Its just unbelievable how hard these guys have been hitting ball and how long! Its not tennis..... Its heavyweight boxing and right now Novak has taken a blow from Rafa that he might not get up from. Great tennis!"
From Matt via text: "Whatever the result whatever the scoreline this is already the most thrilling tennis match i've ever seen!"
* Nadal 2-6 4-6 7-6 (7-3) 0-3 Djokovic Come on, everyone, on your feet! After four hours or so, Nadal chases down a lob and hoists one of his own, only for Djokovic to leap in the air and thump away the smash. That would have been impressive in the first five minutes. Djokovic holds to 15, and he's suddenly back in control.
Nadal 2-6 4-6 7-6 (7-3) 0-2 Djokovic * I've spent good money getting the sort of back treatment Djoko has just received for free. Probably not the time to point that out to him though. An impatient Nadal is stalking the baseline while all that is going on, bristling with energy. But has Djokovic pulled a fast one? A Nadal error and a couple of Djoko winners earn him
two break points at 15-40... Nadal dominates the rally on the first one, Djokovic breaks a string on the second. He looks to the heavens before heading back to the chair and chucking his racquet to the ground. The new one seems to work though, Djokovic swinging an incredible angle with a forehand and it's
break point number two.... a bizarre interruption in our office means I miss it, but clearly so does Djokovic. Another
break point.... a great Nadal winner.
Break point number four.... a brilliant, brilliant off-forehand from Djokovic. Just the four more games required.
0054: Djokovic is taking a medical timeout for his back, and the umpire takes the opportunity to give him a reminder about the time he's taking between points. Under the circumstances, that seems a bit harsh. Still, Nadal looks fighting fit and probably isn't too chuffed that this break comes before he has to serve.
* Nadal 2-6 4-6 7-6 (7-3) 0-1 Djokovic Djokovic reaches up a bit gingerly on his first serve and is doing the kind of half-hearted stretches you see in offices around the country. He gets himself a game point but the amazingly lively Nadal pounces on a volley at the net to make it deuce. Djokovic edges through the game but he looks well off the pace right now, and the trainer is back out.
From anon via text: "Tennis what a match! Going to be so late for work! "
From dj_jones7 on Twitter:
"This is going to be one of those 'where were you' moments, just like Wimbledon 2008. I personally am in bed #BBCTennis"
0045: Djokovic is flat out on the court getting treatment to his back, but comes back out and we press on. Three-and-a-half hours for three sets? Madness.
Nadal 2-6 4-6 7-6 (7-3) Djokovic * Djokovic isn't quite done here and a good serve and a heavy backhand bring him back in touch at 5-3 down. He looks to have cut the deficit even further with a great forehand into the corner but fails to back it up, and Nadal fights his way back into the rally before firing a backhand winner - 6-3,
three set points for Nadal..... some bright spark shouts just as Djokovic is going to serve - that person is definitely unattractive on the inside - and Djokovic nets a forehand. Three-and-a-half hours and the trainer is on for Djokovic. Where's mine?
Nadal 2-6 4-6 6-6 (5-1) Djokovic * Correction - 5-1 up.
Nadal 2-6 4-6 6-6 (5-1) Djokovic * Nadal moves 2-0 up with a mini-break when Djokovic nets and the crowd goes ballistic. They want more of this. Djokovic makes two forehand errors to fall 3-1 down, and Nadal sweeps in with a brilliant forehand to change around 5-1 up.
* Nadal 2-6 4-6 6-6 Djokovic Djokovic misses a forehand on the first point but hits a service winner for 15-15. We're not going out quietly here though... Nadal wins a barnstormer of a rally with a huge backhand that has the crowd roaring and it's 15-30. Djokovic keeps his cool and puts a forehand into the corner for 30-30, but then bunts a nervous backhand over the baseline and it's
break point.... another long, punishing rally, and Djokovic sends a forehand wide! Tie-break time.
Nadal 2-6 4-6 5-6 Djokovic * Nadal pulls a forehand into the tramlines for 15-30 but recovers with his second ace of the match. Djokovic takes the initiative at 30-30 and comes into the net, holding off Nadal's attempted passes and angling away a forehand volley.
Break point... what a shot! What a flippin' shot! Djokovic moves Nadal around, opens the gap down the line and hits as good a backhand as he ever has. The world number one stands and looks at his box like a man possessed. He'll serve for the title.
* Nadal 2-6 4-6 5-5 Djokovic Nadal sticks away a smash for 15-30 and then lines up a big forehand but goes for just too much, punching his strings in anger. Djokovic plays a great point at 30-30, punishing some short stuff from Nadal with a backhand down the line. An ace seals it and this set continues to teeter on the very edge of a knife.
Nadal 2-6 4-6 5-4 Djokovic * Nadal muscles his way through a service game to 15, which feels like an absolute breeze in this match, and with three hours gone both men head to their chairs. They should be given trainers on permanent call for each changeover, with oxygen and all manner of magic sponges.
From Joe via text: "This match is incredible, I just can't go to bed yet! We might be witnessing one of the greatest ever tennis matches. Unbelievable."
FromHarry via text: " A biology lesson at 8.55 tomorrow is going to kill me, but no way am i missing this! COME RAFAAAAAAAAA!! VAMOSSSS!"
* Nadal 2-6 4-6 4-4 Djokovic My computer is flagging more than either of the players but I'm back to see Nadal challenge successfully to earn a
break point at 30-40..... Djokovic has to hit about 15 shots that would be winners against mere mortals before finally making a backhand down the line as an elsatic Nadal scrambles for Spain. A 31-shot epic. Djokovic holds.
Nadal 2-6 4-6 4-3 Djokovic * Nadal just will not yield here and Djokovic is flagging for the moment. He makes it seven points in a row before Djokovic stops the rot with a backhand return, but Nadal hooks a forehand winner down the line and his box are on their feet as their man charges back to the chair. Ater two hours and 44 minutes, Nadal might just be getting going.
* Nadal 2-6 4-6 3-3 Djokovic Nadal rips a forehand up the line for 0-30 and Djokovic throws in a double-fault.
Three break points for Nadal.... and he sends another forehand up the line, prompting the hitch-kick fist pump. This is a ridiculous tennis match, in a good way.
From NixOnline on Twitter:
"Break for Djokovic in the third set and what these players are producing is unpredictable yet absolutely incredible! #USOpen #bbctennis"
From dj_ jamesrose1912 on Twitter:
"If this finishes in 3 sets, anybody who got an early one will dismiss this as standard and one sided; far from what we're seeing #bbctennis"
Nadal 2-6 4-6 2-3 Djokovic * Great forehand from Djokovic, great backhand from Nadal, these two going blow for blow right now and umpire Carlos Ramos optimistically asks the crowd to remain quiet. Good luck with that. Nadal fires a service winner at 15-30 and clenches his fist. Another rally for the highlights follows, 27 strokes, the last of which is a great sliced backhand from Nadal for game point. Djokovic then thumps a forehand that Nadal fails to deal with, netting a volley for deuce. Djokovic earns himself a
break point with a fizzing forehand.... Nadal saves it with some forehand slugging of his own. Djokovic throws in a brilliant, brilliant drop shot that has Nadal scrambling forwards in vain.
Break point two.... and, well, it's yet another storming rally, Nadal's backhand finally going wide. The Spaniard smiles in diselief as he walks back to the chair.
* Nadal 2-6 4-6 2-2 Djokovic Two errors in a row from Djokovic give Nadal a lifeline at 15-30, and a backhand into the net from the top seed off a high spinning Nadal forehand makes it 15-40 and
two break points.... ace, and then Nadal goes for a lengthy towel session that risks a penalty point after his early warning. Djokovic saves the second break point with a magnificent forehand that dips onto the baseline, and Nadal is not the only one that can't believe it was in. Nadal responds with a huge off-forehand of his own for
break point three... Djokovic goes for the serve-volley and plays a pretty poor volley into the net. All square again.
Nadal 2-6 4-6 1-2 Djokovic * I think we had a "Come on!" from Nadal there. Djokovic plays a terrific early rally that finishes with a delicate volley lobbed into the open court before Nadal moves 30-15 up, but a backhand mistake has them at 30-30. Djokvic tees up a forehand and Nadal gets a racquet to it but can't control the response.
Break point for Djokovic.... long rally... and Nadal goes wide with the backhand. A first US Open title is very much in sight now for Djokovic.
* Nadal 2-6 4-6 1-1 Djokovic Some big serving from Djokovic there and it's a speedy love hold, pressure back on Nadal.
Nadal 2-6 4-6 1-0 Djokovic * Nadal hits one of his best backhands of the day and then pounces on a net cord to hammer a forehand for 40-0. An ace out wide and the champion is back on the march.
* Nadal 2-6 4-6 Djokovic Djokovic starts with a nice backhand volley and two mistimed forehands have Nadal looking very gloomy at 15-40.
Two set points for Djokovic.... and he races out wide to thump a brilliant forehand down the line. Nadal looks to be heading off for a change of something.
From Greg in Aberdeen via text: "Can't help but feel Djokovic is running away with this match. Quality tennis from Nadal but Djoko is too Strong for him!"
Nadal 2-6 4-5 Djokovic * Nadal goes to Hawkeye but gets it wrong and he's out of challenges, and a wayward forehand has him at 0-30. The same shot misfires again moments later and it's 15-40,
two break points.... Djokovic controls a long rally and Nadal's backhand breaks down as he frames one somewhere off behind the umpire. That could be a tough one to come back from for the champion. Maybe Katy Perry will cheer him up at the changeover.
* Nadal 2-6 4-4 Djokovic A cross-court backhand and a smash take Djokovic to 30-15, but he then misses on his second bite at a smash and it's 30-30. Djokovic goes to his favourite backhand down the line and Nadal lets out his frustration in the direction of Uncle Toni & co. Djokovic lets him back into the game with a forehand into the net, and Nadal gets a break point when he draws his man into the net and hammers a forehand that nearly knocks Djokovic over.
Break point.... and Nadal fires a backhand pass down the line, great shot, and we get a double fist pump. That's a fifth set fist pump normally.
Nadal 2-6 3-4 Djokovic * Nadal looks in real trouble when he plays a poor drop shot into the net but gets himself to 40-15, only to lose another point behind his second serve. Djokovic then ghosts to the net and feathers over a forehand dop volley. Deuce, and he's threatening another break. Djokovic returns smack bang onto the baseline and earns himself his 15th
break point of the day.... but a first serve does the job for Nadal and he holds, ensuring we won't get an identical score to the first set.
* Nadal 2-6 2-4 Djokovic Nadal has an exchange of views with umpire Carlos Ramos at the changeover, not sure what it was about but it didn't seem to be on Serena levels. Djokovic gets himself in a bit of bother with a couple of errors, but a big serve makes it 30-30. It's quickly 40-30, and Djokovic gets a time violation! I'm a bit worried I might get one myself in a minute. It doesn't seem to bother Djoko too much and he holds.
Eddiemate from Alloa via text: "Game three second set. The greatest game ever? Beating Graf v Sanchez Vicario at Wimbledon? Stunning."
Nadal 2-6 2-3 Djokovic * Djokovic chops a single-handed defensive backhand over the net and it dips enough to force a volley into the net from Nadal - 0-30, and Nadal stomps back to the baseline pointing to the ball boy for his towel like Lord Sugar giving someone their marching orders. Djokovic nets, but then leans into a second-serve return, much like Sam Stosur did last night, and it's
two break points... Nadal double-faults!!!!!!
From DanMagan on Twitter:
"This is awesome! Early start time for Monday final hopefully means it'll be done before early hours, or maybe not at this rate!" #bbctennis
Glen from Kinsley via text: "This is already a classic. Totally enthralled."
* Nadal 2-6 2-2 Djokovic Djokovic looks exhausted as he sits on his chair at the changeover but I've got a feeling he'll last. He doesn't hang around on his own serve, holding to love.
From sssssarah on Twitter:
"Are the Djokovic entourage not wearing their Nole t-shirts anymore? For me, it's the only thing that's missing." #bbctennis
Nadal 2-6 2-1 Djokovic * Deep breath everyone, my first novel.... Djokovic is on the hunt for the immediate break back, as he did in the first set, but at 0-30 Nadal wins a ridiculous 21-shot rally, getting back a Djokovic smash and ultimately outlasting the world number one. Djokovic is not out of this one yet though and at 30-30 arrows a forehand down the line that Hawkeye confirms caught the paint.
Break point.... and a long rally ends when Nadal ups the pace on his backhand and catches Djokovic unawares. Nadal battles on but Djokovic is absolutely creaming the returns and after four deuces earns another
break point.... Nadal stands firm and takes a tight rally with an off-forehand. Djokovic hammers a backhand return and it's
break point... but he nets a backhand. A Nadal backhand error gives up another
break point and the umpire then warns him for taking too much time between serves. Nadal moves in and a Djokovic lob goes long. This game has been going for 15 minutes now, and it's a
fifth break point for Djokovic... it looks like he's got this one but Nadal gets out of trouble with a great backhand pass. I think I might need a medical timeout myself in a moment. Nadal double faults!
Break point six.... and Nadal complains about the lights shining from the coporate boxes. Another epic rally, it's there for Nadal... and he nets a smash! Djokovic breaks and raises his fist in triumph. There should be a trophy just for that game.
From SiMHardy on Twitter:
"If Geoffrey Boycott was a tennis commentator all Nadal would be hearing would be 'you've got t keep a good line and t length!'"
* Nadal 2-6 2-0 Djokovic Nadal wins a pulsating first point and that will do him good. He's turning into Ana Ivanovic with the fist pump after every point. Djokovic gets a smash all wrong in the wind to fall 0-30 behind. Nadal's defence proves solid in the face of a barrage of Djokovic forehands, and the top seed hooks one wide as he goes for too much of an angle.
Three break points for Nadal.... he misses with a backhand on the first, my TV switches itself off on the second, but Nadal gets the breakthrough with a brute of a forehand down the line on the third. Massive punch of the air.
Nadal 2-6 1-0 Djokovic * Good start to the second set from Nadal, who urges himself on loudly while pacing the baseline after getting to 40-0. Uncle Toni is looking a bit more pensive now. His nehpew goes for a running forehand down the line but catches the net, and is happy to see Djokovic net the next return. We get another "Vamos!" as he marches to the chair.
From anon via text: "Djokovic has to be the biggest entertainer in tennis. His tie break epic vs the dog, his match vs tipsy & the classic against fed were all edge of your seat stuff & now this..."
* Nadal 2-6 Djokovic Djokovic moves comfortably to 40-0, slides into the net and chops away a backhand volley that Nadal can't return. A very impressive set from the world number one and, at the moment, Nadal doesn't look like he has the answers.
2206: Quick update - if you're listening to 5 live commentary, you might need to refresh the page now and click on the new link. If you're listening on an actual radio, it's moved from sports extra to 5 live.
Nadal 2-5 Djokovic * Djokovic plays a nice drop shot to start the game and Nadal then goes long, although Hawkeye is required to confirm it and the Spaniard has a slightly cross word with umpire Carlos Ramos. It's 0-30, and Djokovic plays a belter of a forehand drop shot, surprising everyone.
Three break points... big serve, then a big serve-big forehand combination.... huge cheers from the crowd.... but Nadal then nets a backhand in a strangely timid rally. Three consecutive breaks for Djokovic.
* Nadal 2-4 Djokovic Djokovic is bossing things from the net as he moves to 30-0, but then finds himself a little out of position and half-volleys into the net before falling off a backhand for 30-30. Nadal has his chance when he lines up a backhand pass but goes just wide, and a relieved Djokovic helpfully raises his finger to confirm it was out. Nadal then muscles a forehand pass for deuce but goes long, and another error gives Djokovic the game.
Nadal 2-3 Djokovic * Tournament referee Brian Earley is spotted sitting in a quiet corner. There's a man who needs a holiday. Nadal finds himself in trouble at 15-30 after a double-fault and an error, and Djokovic is pressing hard when his backhand is called out but overruled by the umpire. Hawkeye backs the umpire, but Djokovic then goes long with a forehand on the replayed point. "It's very unlike the world number one to miss short balls," says
Jeff Tarango on 5 live sport extra. Cue, rally of the match - Djokovic looks to have won it with a volley down the line but Nadal chases it down and regains the initiative with a forehand of his own. "Vamos!!!" shouts uncle Toni. The game's not over though, and Djokovic works an opening before smacking away a forehand for deuce. The wind is playing a part now and Nadal leaks a backhandwide for
break point.... incredible stuff - Djokvic hits forehand after forehand, Nadal is practically in the stands fishing them out, but the Serbian eventually has enough space and finds it. Five games of brilliant, brutal tennis.
* Nadal 2-2 Djokovic A quick manual refresh and you'll see a Serbian arrow, to even things up. Djokovic nets a forehand for 15-15 and when Nadal hits a sensational cross-court forehand that leaps off the court, it's 15-40 and
two break points.... Djokovic saves the first with a confident smash behind a good serve, and Nadal then misses with a regulation backhand. The Spaniard comes straight back with a great rally though, whipping a forehand up the line and following it in with a drop volley.
Break point number three... ace out wide from Djokovic, who hits a great forehand moments later and then has a Murray-style session of baseline self-analysis. Odd, possibly something to do with the increasing wind. Makes a change from rain. Four games, nearly half an hour.
Nadal 2-1 Djokovic * Djokovic, jolted by that early break, steps up to the baseline and takes charge with the Agassiesque hitting that has made him the best in the world this year. Nadal is being pushed back and Djokovic hits a big forehand winner for 0-30 before Nadal, moving backwards and sideways, sends a backhand wide.
Three break points... big serve from Nadal on the first, big forehand on the second, but the Spaniard then blazes one out on the third and Djokovic is back on serve.
* Nadal 2-0 Djokovic Djokovic, who has lost just two tennis matches since November, is under pressure at 15-30 after Nadal skips around a backhand to thump a forehand cross-court, and a wayward backhand from the Serbian means it's
break point..... Nadal plays a great return right onto the baseline and Djokovic is forced out wide, getting out of position and putting a backhand into the net. Four holds and you're there, Rafa.
Nadal 1-0 Djokovic * Nadal wins the opening point with a good serve but Djokovic makes it 15-15 with the backhand down the line that has given everyone such trouble in the last year. Nadal then dominates a great rally, moving in to end it with a smash and pumping his fist. Djokovic gets back to 30-30 by turning the tables and firing a forehand deep into the corner. The top seed has a sniff of an early break here but surprisingly makes a forehand error, and Nadal converts game point with a brilliant cross-court backhand. Every game is going to be a battle tonight.
* denotes next to serve 2114: Here we go,
5 live commentary available to the right of this page. Nadal to serve.....
2111: The finalists are out on court, Djokovic came on wearing a New York Fire Department cap and is decked out in Wimbledon white, while Nadal is sticking with the blue that has brought him this far. Carlos Ramos is tonight's umpire. Let's hope he went out for dinner last night and didn't see the women's final. I'm sure he's attractive on the inside anyway. The sun is shining and the Arthur Ashe Stadium is filling up....
From quigonsmith on Twitter:
"Hoping for a great final tonight. Djokovic is favourite, but if Rafa plays his best he can win. #usopen #bbctennis"
2106: Nadal - "For moments I didn't believe really 100% with the victory [against Djokovic this year]. That's the big problem because when that's happening, you have less chances, much less than if you believe. If you believe, you are running more, you are putting one more ball inside. So that's the problem, and that's what I'm gonna try to change for Monday."
2105: Djokovic - "The confidence level is very high at this moment and helps me to get into these big matches and go for the shots that I maybe in some situations wouldn't, that I wasn't going for in the past couple years."
2102: The number one and two players in the world are about to meet
for the 29th time, with Nadal holding a 16-12 lead
but Djokovic closing in very quickly. Since Nadal won last year's US Open final, the Serbian has won all five meetings this year in the finals of Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, Rome and Wimbledon. However, Nadal has 10 Grand Slam titles to Djokovic's three and looked in great form against Roddick and Murray in the previous two rounds.
2100: Evening all, and welcome to what could, just could, be the final session of the 2011 US Open. We've had an earthquake, a hurricane, rain, lots of rain, a leaking baseline, a stadium court shut down, scheduling chaos, Rafa's cramp, Serena's rant, British joy, British despair, Federer heartbreak, Super Sam Stosur..... somehow it feels like we need more than just a tennis match to finish with. But if it is to be a tennis match,
Novak Djokovic v Rafael Nadal is the one to go for.
~RS~a~RS~International~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~07~RS~){kind=small}
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~07~RS~)
E-mail this to a friend
Printable version
© 2012
Bookmark with:
What are these?