WATCH | Rafael Nadal’s spectacular shot surprises Kevin Anderson in US Open final
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While most fans expected the final of the US Open between Rafael Nadal and Kevin Anderson to be a one sided affair, the former looked intent to give the fans their money's worth. Nadal came up with an audacious lob-cum-slice return to give the fans at the Arthur Ashe court something to cheer about.
The World No.1 Nadal entered the final as the clear favorite after destroying Juan Martin del Potro, who had knocked out Roger Federer in the last round, in the semifinal in four sets. Between the Spaniard and his 16th major stood yet another giant in the form of South African Kevin Anderson. After the two players won a game apiece, it was Nadal who took the initiative by putting pressure on the 31-year-old's serve.
With the scores tied at deuce, Anderson put in a serve towards Nadal's back hand. The Spaniard had already taken a step towards his forehand side but somehow managed to avoid getting wrong footed and produced a winner that left his opponent stunned. The Spaniard produced a slice-cum-lob to down the line and would have been happy just to keep the point alive. On seeing the amount of air under the ball, the 6' 8" Anderson, approached the net but when he got to the ball he got confused by its flight. The South African decided to let the ball go. The ball fell well within the baseline and Nadal got the first break point opportunity of the match.Â
Even though the South African was able to secure the game, that had 17 points, he was broken twice in the set and ended up conceding it 6-3. Nadal then broke him once apiece on the following sets to secure the win in straight sets.Â
