The world number one Serb, who had already won the Australian Open before defeating Nadal at Wimbledon, racked up his 64th win against just two losses all year. But having been just two points from the title in the 12th game of the third set, his dreams were almost shattered when he dropped the set on a tiebreaker and needed a medical time-out on a strained back muscle.
Victory represented the top-seeded, 24-year-old’s fourth career Grand Slam trophy after making his breakthrough at the 2008 Australian Open.
Nadal, a 10-time Grand Slam winner, slumped to his sixth defeat in six meetings in 2011 against Djokovic.
“US Open...it sounds unreal,” said Djokovic, who had to save two match points to beat Roger Federer in a five-set semi. “It’s an incredible feeling. I’ve had an amazing year. To play Rafa is always a great challenge and I hope we have many more tough matches in the years to come.”
Nadal vows to turn tables
Nadal, who also lost his Wimbledon crown to Djokovic earlier this year, was sent reeling to another bruising defeat but insisted his disappointment only strengthened his resolve to reassert himself against the Serb.
“I go back home knowing that I am on the way,” said Nadal, who beat Djokovic in the 2010 final at Flushing Meadows to complete a career Grand Slam but has had no answer this season. “Six straight losses, for sure that’s painful,” said the 25-year-old Spaniard.
“But I’m going to work every day until that changes. So I have a goal, an easy goal for me now.
“It’s smart to accept the losses with the same calm as the victories, and keep working without thinking about the past.”
Djokovic targets career Grand Slam
Meanwhile, Djokovic, who missed out on a rare calendar Grand Slam in 2011 when he lost in the French Open semi-finals to Roger Federer, was desperate to keep predictions in check.
“I am not invincible,” said Djokovic who maintained his number one ranking. “I just think a positive attitude keeps you on top of your game, when you go on court and when I had the start to the year that I had.
“Of course I want to win more majors and prove things to myself. It would be unbelievable to complete the Grand Slam. I need to win the French Open, but I think it will take time.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 14th, 2011.
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