After losing the final match of the 2019 US Open to World No 2 Rafael Nadal, a stunned Daniil Medvedev of Russia told that the way Nadal is playing “is a big joke”.
“The way you are playing is a big joke. It’s very tough to play against you. Because of the crowd, I was fighting like hell,” Medvedev said.
“In the third set, in my mind, I was already thinking what to say in the speech. I was fighting and I didn’t give up, but unfortunately it didn’t go my way,” he added.
Nadal at the Arthur Ashe Stadium was in tears after clinching his 19th Grand Slam title. The King of Clay, was at his majestic best as he kept his cool and defeated Medvedev of Russia in a thrilling final to win his fourth US Open title.
“This victory is so important for me,” said Spanish ace on Sunday as he wiped away tears during the trophy presentation after registering a 7-5, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4 victory in one of the most gripping five-set finals in Grand Slam history that lasted for four hours and 50 minutes.
“Especially as the match became more and more difficult. I was able to hold the nerves. They were so high. It was a crazy match and I’m just very emotional,” said Nadal.
Notably, the US Open victory was also Nadal’s second Grand Slam title of the year after he won his 12th French Open crown in June.