What will happen to men’s tennis when Federer and Nadal retire?

Nadal has dealt with knee and wrist problems, both likely a result of his physical brand of play, over his career, but 2015 and 2016 were his first seasons without reaching at least one Grand Slam final since 2004, when he was still a teenager.

While Rafael Nadal won his third career US Open title, and second major of the year, his uncle, Toni Nadal was surprised with an award of his own.

Then, in Paris a few months later, his long-time foe (and friend) Nadal followed suit, ending a long battle against loss of form and injury by taking the French Open title at the age of 31 to secure his first major honour since 2014. He last made it to three major finals in one year in 2011.

“Since the first important event of the year in Australia I’ve been playing, I think, a very high level of tennis and closed the grand slam year winning here in New York.”The world number one was as brilliant as he was business-like, keeping the towering South African under constant pressure and denying him a single break point”. Woods wants to win again.

“I just can say thanks to life for that opportunity”, said Nadal.

As he stated, what makes this win even greater, is the comeback Nadal has had from the injuries these last couple of years, and now coming to NY and winning one last major with his Uncle.

Both players are in contention to be crowned as year-end world No. 1 – with Nadal now top of the rankings – and both are tied with Alexander Zverev for most titles (5) won this season. World No. 1 Nadal played near-perfect tennis on Sunday, committing just 11 unforced errors, never facing a break point and winning all 16 points at the net, including a beautifully timed volley to clinch the title.

The 15-time Grand Slam champion has had a spectacular year, so far. I have a great team and a great family that supports me and believes in me.

Squaring off against the 6-8 behemoth that is Kevin Anderson, the No. 28 seed is always a tough task to conquer.

“I wake up every morning with the passion to go on court and to try to improve things”, he said.

Nadal didn’t stay silent either, referencing his previous appearances at the U.S. Open. While these things keep happening, I will be here.

The Spaniard will now face maiden grand slam finalist Kevin Anderson for the championship on Monday morning. That’s a lot of positive energy for me.

“I am happy if I am healthy and if I feel competitive in most of the weeks that I am playing”.

His ranking had tumbled to No. 80 in January, its lowest in 6 ½ years, during a hard start to his year that included a hip injury that forced him to miss the Australian Open.