In the end, Rafael Nadal produced some of his patented tempestuous tennis to slowly overpower Novak Djokovic, and clinch his second US Open title in New York. Before Nadal's surge, however, there was some ebb and flow about the final at Flushing Meadows. At times, the level of play was stunning, even if it did not quite sustain the heights of excellence which we have seen in matches between the "big three" in recent years.
Nadal probably went into yesterday's final at Flushing Meadows as the marginal favourite, based on his and Djokovic's respective form in the build-up. The course and outcome of yesterday's final tended to confirm the view that Djokovic is not quite the well-oiled, chillingly efficient tennis machine of recent times. This is hardly surprising, as it would have been near-impossible to maintain that level for any great length of time. Yesterday there were even stages where his belief seemed to be sagging, but playing Nadal can have that effect on most people!
On the other hand, Nadal continues to astonish with his resilience and capacity to defy the doubters. In the past couple of years, people have repeatedly asserted that his body will eventually cry enough, in the face of his relentless and vigorous style of play. Each time, the Spaniard seems to return stronger in both body and spirit. The fire in his eyes, and in his belly, remain undiminished, it would appear.
There were times in the final yesterday when the match threatened to transform itself into a genuine "classic", as implied by the awesome 54-shot rally which saw Djokovic break serve in the second set. Nadal's dynamism and zest however gradually took the match away from his opponent. At this exalted level, the Serb only needed to drop marginally in intensity and consistency for it to be decisive. Too many errors crept in as time went on. Nadal went majestically on in his unyielding, industrious way, and Djokovic struggled to respond in the last one-and-a-half sets.
So as the Grand Slams end for another year, what is the state of play, the pecking order if you will, at the top of men's tennis? Well, it looks much more fluid these days. With the travails of Roger Federer, do we even speak in terms of a "big three" or "big four" anymore? Andy Murray's elevation to the status of Grand Slam winner has complicated such assessments, but I think some have excluded him from the top echelon, not because of any lack of accomplishment, but owing to his style of play. This perception may soon have to change.
It's unfair to say that the "golden era" is unravelling. It is just changing. More exciting times in store!
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