Published By: Rohit Chatterjee

On This Day (Sep. 12): Djokovic Takes US Open Crown with Four-Set Victory Over Nadal

It was a day when the Serbian star truly shone

Thirteen years ago today, Novak Djokovic cemented his legacy as the best in the world. On the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, he faced defending champion Rafael Nadal in a battle for the US Open 2011 title.

Djokovic's game was a masterclass in precision and power, stunning the crowd and his rival alike. In four hours and ten minutes, he claimed his first US Open title, winning 6-2, 6-4, 6-7, 6-1. It was a day when the Serbian star truly shone, leaving no doubt about his dominance in tennis.

A season to remember

The king of clay aimed for his 11th Grand Slam and found himself in a familiar spot in 2011, facing Novak Djokovic. It was their seventh meeting that year, and Djokovic had won all six previous encounters. The Serbian star already held the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and US Open titles, making him only the sixth man to win three majors in a single year during the Open era in 2011.

Reflecting on his incredible year, the 24-year-old Djokovic said, "It's an incredible feeling. Every match against Rafa is a challenge. I hope we have many more tough battles ahead."

The opening act

One year earlier, Nadal had beaten Djokovic at this same stage. But this time, Djokovic flipped the script in style. The Arthur Ashe crowd witnessed an electrifying start, with Nadal breaking early for 2-0. However, Djokovic immediately responded, levelling at 2-2. The match unfolded in tricky, windy conditions, yet Djokovic's skill shone through.

He saved three break points and then crafted some jaw-dropping combinations to take control. By game five, the top seed was dictating the pace, breaking Nadal again. A backhand error from the Spaniard sealed the first set for Djokovic, who served it out in 53 minutes.

Critical moments

Nadal began the second set with a steady service game, then broke Djokovic with a signature forehand down the line. It looked like the momentum was shifting. But the third game was a whirlwind. Djokovic battled through five break points, finally converting on the sixth after Nadal misfired on a routine smash.

The crowd was electrified, but the energy seemed to drain from Nadal. After Djokovic held serve to love, Nadal's game faltered. A double fault followed, and suddenly he found himself trailing 3-2. It was crucial, as Djokovic's resilience seemed to shake the Spaniard's confidence.

Nadal's comeback and Djokovic's response

The 22-time Grand Slam champion, Nadal, fought hard to stay in it, breaking back at 4-4 with a brilliant backhand pass. But Djokovic swiftly seized control again, serving out the set to take a commanding two-set lead. The third set showcased incredible tennis, with both men trading breaks. Djokovic edged ahead 3-2 with a perfectly timed drop shot, leaving Nadal shaking his head.

Nadal, though, recovered and levelled the match with a forehand down the line. At 4-3, he got a break point. But during a thrilling 31-shot rally, Djokovic salvaged it with a stunning backhand winner. At 6-5, Djokovic made another incredible backhand to seal the break, allowing him to serve to win the match. But there was still Nadal to be overcome.

However, Nadal still needed to be finished. In a dramatic rally, he left Djokovic on his knees and forced a tie-break. The stadium erupted, and Nadal went all-in, surging to a 5-1 lead. He took the first three set points when Djokovic's tired forehand found the net.

Tie-break tension

At the changeover, Djokovic seemed in trouble, needing treatment for a back issue. Yet he emerged renewed, winning three consecutive games to regain control. With a comfortable service hold, he went up 4-1.

Breaking a weary Nadal to love in game six, Djokovic's celebration was fierce. He sealed the match with a stunning inside-out forehand—his 51st winner—clinching his fourth Grand Slam title in an unforgettable victory.