James BryceRAFAEL Nadal lost a pulsating US Open Final 6-2 6-4 6-7 (3-7) 6-1 to Novak Djokovic in New York.
The defeat meant that the Spaniard has now lost all six of his meetings with the Serb in 2011.
Defending champion Nadal was bidding to win his 11th Grand Slam title but lost out in a match lasting four hours and ten minutes at Flushing Meadows.
World number one Djokovic raced into a two-set lead after dominating the early exchanges before Nadal hit back in the third.
The Spaniard won a tie-break and looked to have the momentum heading into the fourth, but Djokovic kept his cool to seal the fourth Grand Slam title of his career.
Djokovic – who was beaten at the same stage by Nadal last year – has now won the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open in an incredible year for the Serb.
“Every time I play Rafa it’s a big challenge,” Djokovic said following his victory.
“He’s had a great tournament and I wish we have many more tough matches in the coming years.”
