Live Report: US Open men's final

Live Report: US Open men's final

0052 GMT TUESDAY: AFP IS NOW CLOSING THIS LIVE REPORT after Rafael Nadal won his second US Open title -- and his 13th Grand Slam crown -- with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 victory over world number one Novak Djokovic of Serbia.

Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal reacts to his victory over Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the 2013 US Open men's final at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on September 9, 2013.

The match marked the third time in four years that the two players battled it out at Arthur Ashe Stadium for the US Open crown. Nadal won in 2010, and Djokovic won the revenge rematch the following year. Both of those matches also went four sets.

The pair have now faced each other 37 times -- a record in the Open Era. Nadal holds the edge in the series, 22-15.

The left-handed Spaniard has won 10 titles this year -- a remarkable comeback after a months-long break from the tour due to his troublesome knees.

As he left the court following the trophy ceremony, Nadal signed a few autographs for his fans.

Read on to find out how today's final unfolded -- and thanks for checking out our live report!

0042 GMT TUESDAY: An appreciative crowd hails both players at the trophy ceremony.

Novak on Rafa: "He was too good."

Rafa on Novak: "You are having an amazing career and I am sure you will finish being one of the best in the history of the sport."

Nadal gives the crowd a broad smile as he holds the cup above his head. He also bites the handle of the trophy for the cameras.

0039 GMT TUESDAY: Nadal took the first set easily, with Djokovic struggling to find his rhythm.

The Serb bounced back in the second, but Nadal cruised from then on, battering the world number one with his pinpoint groundstrokes.

Nadal adds today's title to his 2010 triumph, when he completed a career Grand Slam.

Monday's win also earns him a total of $3.6 million, which takes his career earnings through the $60 million mark and also edged him closer to Roger Federer's record of 17 majors.

0036 GMT TUESDAY: Spain's Rafael Nadal wins his second US Open title, defeating world number one Novak Djokovic of Serbia in four sets, 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1

The 27-year-old Nadal has now won 13 Grand Slams, including eight French Opens, and 60 titles in his career.

The match lasted three hours and 21 minutes.

0032 GMT TUESDAY: RAFAEL NADAL WINS SECOND US OPEN TITLE, DEFEATING NOVAK DJOKOVIC, 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1

DJOKOVIC 2-6 6-3 4-6 1-5 *NADAL (*Denotes upcoming server)

Nadal breaks the Serb and he will now serve for the match.

*DJOKOVIC 2-6 6-3 4-6 1-4 NADAL (*Denotes upcoming server)

Nadal holds easily. He is two games from the title. Can he maintain his composure?

For McEnroe, there is little doubt: "Nadal is in control now."

DJOKOVIC 2-6 6-3 4-6 1-3 *NADAL (*Denotes upcoming server)

Novak is not ready to give up just yet. Quick hold of serve and he's on the board in the fourth set.

*DJOKOVIC 2-6 6-3 4-6 0-3 NADAL (*Denotes upcoming server)

Easy hold for Rafa. He's three games from the title. Can Novak mount yet another comeback?

DJOKOVIC 2-6 6-3 4-6 0-2 *NADAL (*Denotes upcoming server)

The lefty Rafa blasts a forehand down the line to break Novak. Could he be closing in on his second US Open title? It's on his racket now.

Tweet from NBA player Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks: "These two guys are unbelievable. Two great fighters. Two great champions. Rafa and nole"

*DJOKOVIC 2-6 6-3 4-6 0-1 NADAL (*Denotes upcoming server)

Nadal staves off two break points to hold serve as the fourth set opens. Game ends with a big overhead from Rafa.

In the crowd to support Rafa: Spain's Queen Sofia.

DJOKOVIC 2-6 6-3 4-6 *NADAL (*Denotes upcoming server)

Nadal takes the third set, battling back to break Djokovic after being down love-30 in the game.

Head-to-head: Nadal won the last Grand Slam meeting between the two players, a five-set marathon in the French Open semis earlier this year. Rafa went on to win his eighth title at Roland Garros.

THIRD SET TO NADAL 6-4. NADAL LEADS TWO SETS TO ONE

*DJOKOVIC 2-6 6-3 4-5 NADAL (*Denotes upcoming server)

Novak will serve to stay in the third set after squandering three break points. Nadal takes the game with an overhead smash.

Both players are using wicked spin to change up the pace. Rafa took a tumble during the game, falling backwards, but he's fine.

Head-to-head: Djokovic and Nadal last played in the semis in Montreal last month. Nadal won in a third set tiebreak (match was best of three).

Today's chair umpire: Jake Garner

DJOKOVIC 2-6 6-3 4-4 *NADAL (*Denotes upcoming server)

Djokovic holds, firing off his sixth ace of the match.

*DJOKOVIC 2-6 6-3 3-4 NADAL (*Denotes upcoming server)

Nadal holds easily. He marches with purpose back to his seat for a rest.

Heard on the stadium sound system: "September" by Earth, Wind and Fire

DJOKOVIC 2-6 6-3 3-3 *NADAL (*Denotes upcoming server)

And we're back on serve. Nadal exults as he breaks back.

Celebrity watch: actors Kevin Spacey and Edward Norton in the house.

*DJOKOVIC 2-6 6-3 3-2 NADAL (*Denotes upcoming server)

And a quick hold for Nadal. Djokovic still up a break in the set.

Fun fact: while Djokovic has the 3-2 edge in Grand Slam finals played by the two, Nadal has an overall 7-3 advantage in Grand Slam meetings. The only other duo to meet 11 times in a major in the Open era? Djokovic and Federer.

DJOKOVIC 2-6 6-3 3-1 *NADAL (*Denotes upcoming server)

Quick hold for Novak.

*DJOKOVIC 2-6 6-3 2-1 NADAL (*Denotes upcoming server)

Rafa gets on the board in the third. He pumps his fists multiple times to fire himself up.

Television commentator and four-time US Open champion John McEnroe says: "This is turning into a war."

DJOKOVIC 2-6 6-3 2-0 *NADAL (*Denotes upcoming server)

Djokovic consolidates the break with a hold of serve, and the momentum has clearly shifted in his favor.

If Djokovic wins today, he will have seven career Grand Slam titles.

*DJOKOVIC 2-6 6-3 1-0 NADAL (*Denotes upcoming server)

Novak stays on a roll, breaking Nadal at love to start the third set. The Spaniard cannot return a beautifully angled crosscourt forehand from the Serb.

Before the game, both players change their shirts to begin the third set, eliciting some catcalls from the crowd.

Fun fact: this is the seventh straight Grand Slam meeting between the two players going at least four sets.

DJOKOVIC 2-6 6-3 *NADAL (*Denotes upcoming server)

Djokovic draws blood, winning the second set with a screaming backhand winner down the line.

Match is now tied at one set all. Play already at 1hr 40mins. Buckle up for a marathon battle!

Network CBS briefly breaks into television coverage of the match with an excerpt of an interview with President Barack Obama about Syria.

SECOND SET TO DJOKOVIC 6-3. MATCH TIED AT ONE SET ALL

*DJOKOVIC 2-6 5-3 NADAL (*Denotes upcoming server)

Djokovic breaks on the fifth deuce, easily putting away a drop shot attempt from Nadal, and will serve for the set.

Djokovic is starting to dictate a few more of the baseline rallies. Is the tide turning?

Funny tweet from American player John Isner, who played the longest match in tennis history at Wimbledon in 2010 at 11hr 5mins: "What's the big deal? I play 54 shot rallies all the time :)"

DJOKOVIC 2-6 4-3 *NADAL (*Denotes upcoming server)

Nadal breaks back, converting on his third break point of the game. We're back on serve.

Fun fact: No matter who wins today, this will be the 34th time in the past 35 Grand Slams that one of the big four -- Nadal, Djokovic, Roger Federer or Andy Murray -- has won the title. The lone exception? Juan Martin del Potro's US Open win in 2009.

*DJOKOVIC 2-6 4-2 NADAL (*Denotes upcoming server)

Novak breaks! He earns a break chance when he storms to the net in the middle of a long rally, and hits a backhand volley winner.

He then wins the game on a 54-shot rally when Rafa finally dumps the ball into the net. As I mentioned earlier, only Gasquet had broken Rafa in this event.

Crowd goes wild. Fans want to see as much tennis as possible. Novak raises his arms to pump them up.

DJOKOVIC 2-6 3-2 *NADAL (*Denotes upcoming server)

Novak holds easily, sealing the game with an ace. We're still on serve in the second set.

Fun fact check: Rafa is the only player to win a Grand Slam singles title for nine years in a row.

*DJOKOVIC 2-6 2-2 NADAL (*Denotes upcoming server)

Nadal holds at love.

During the last changeover, Nole had a drink. Rafa had a bite of his banana, and fiddled with his towel.

DJOKOVIC 2-6 2-1 *NADAL (*Denotes upcoming server)

Djokovic holds. The rallies are intensifying and the shot-making has gone up a notch.

This is the sixth time the two players have faced off in a Grand Slam final. Djokovic holds a 3-2 edge.

*DJOKOVIC 2-6 1-1 NADAL (*Denotes upcoming server)

The game goes to two deuces, and Nadal holds when Djokovic sprays a forehand wide. The Serb had two break points, but could not convert.

Fun fact from the ATP Tour: Nadal is 151-3 lifetime in Grand Slam play when winning the first set, 37-1 at the US Open.

And Twitter watch: top European golfer Lee Westwood says: "It's amazing how @DjokerNole and Nadal hit it and still have control!"

DJOKOVIC 2-6 1-0 *NADAL (*Denotes upcoming server)

Djokovic gets on the board to start the second set.

More A-list celebrities on hand to watch the final: Justin Timberlake, Leonardo DiCaprio, Alec Baldwin.

*DJOKOVIC 2 NADAL 6 (*Denotes upcoming server)

The Spaniard takes the first set. Djokovic is still not finding the range on his groundstrokes.

If Nadal wins today, it will be his 10th title of the year, and the 60th of his career.

FIRST SET TO NADAL 6-2

DJOKOVIC 2 *NADAL 5 (*Denotes upcoming server)

The Serb is broken again, and is in trouble here in the first set, with Rafa to serve for the first set.

Fun fact from my colleague Dave James: If Nadal wins, he will break the $60 million prize money barrier and will 'only' be $15 million behind Roger Federer.

*DJOKOVIC 2 NADAL 4 (*Denotes upcoming server)

Nadal holds at love. He is not fooled by a drop shot attempt from Djokovic, sprinting forward to flick the backhand winner.

Celebrity watch: James Bond is in the house! The 007 theme blares on the sound system as tennis fan Sean Connery appears on the jumbo screen.

DJOKOVIC 2 *NADAL 3 (*Denotes upcoming server)

Routine hold for Djokovic, who is struggling to find his rhythm in the early games of this championship match.

It's a cool night in New York and not at all humid. Stadium lights are already on; this match could go well into the night!

*DJOKOVIC 1 NADAL 3 (*Denotes upcoming server)

Players go to deuce again, but this time, the server prevails. and the Spaniard consolidates the break.

Stadium quickly filling up as people leave their Manhattan offices and make their way to Queens, says my colleague Jim Slater.

DJOKOVIC 1 *NADAL 2 (*Denotes upcoming server)

Nadal smashes an inside-out forehand to secure the first break of the match. Nole had saved one break point, but Rafa made good on a second chance.

Djokovic is sporting red and black attire, while Nadal is wearing all gray.

This is the sixth Monday men's final in a row, but the first that has been scheduled on purpose. Rain delays forced the past five.

*DJOKOVIC 1 NADAL 1 (*Denotes upcoming server)

The game goes to a deuce, but Nadal holds.

Fun fact: Nadal has only been broken once in the tournament, by Gasquet in the semis.

Twitter watch -- here's a comment from former champion Jimmy Connors: "Still get that 'butterflies in the gut' feeling for the players on #USOpen finals day. 2 best fighting for title-- put on a great show guys!"

DJOKOVIC 1 *NADAL 0 (*Denotes upcoming server)

And we're off and running! Novak holds fairly easily to begin the match.

My colleague Jim Slater reports that as opposed to Sunday, when wind played a role in the women's final, there is only a slight breeze today.

2110 GMT: Here we go! Djokovic to serve first, under sunny skies in New York.

2105 GMT: The players are on court warming up!

2103 GMT: Nadal, whose fans call him Rafa, is making his 18th appearance in a Grand Slam final, with 12 titles to his name.

After a months-long absence from tennis due to knee problems, he has stormed through the competition this year, compiling a 59-3 record. He is undefeated on hard courts this season, with a 21-0 record, and has won nine titles so far this year including his eighth French Open crown.

Rafa admitted that he would have rather faced a less formidable opponent in the final than Nole, but noted their matches were always "exciting."

2059 GMT: Djokovic, known as Nole to his fans, survived a five-set semi-final slugfest with Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka to reach the final. In contrast, Nadal easily defeated France's Richard Gasquet in straight sets to book his spot in the final.

Djokovic is making his third Grand Slam final appearance of the year, and this is his fourth straight US Open final. He is the reigning Australian Open champion, but lost to Britain's Andy Murray in the Wimbledon final.

The Serb will remain the world number one when the new rankings are published, no matter the outcome of today's final.

Ahead of the match, he called Nadal the "ultimate competitor" and said playing him was "the ultimate challenge" in the sport.

2055 GMT: WELCOME TO AFP'S LIVE REPORT on the US Open men's final at Flushing Meadows -- a much-anticipated showdown between world number one Novak Djokovic of Serbia and second seed Rafael Nadal of Spain.

The match marks the 37th time that the pair have faced off, in a rivalry that some have called the best in men's tennis today. Nadal, 27, holds the edge with a 21-15 record against the 26-year-old Serb, but Djokovic reigns supreme on hard courts, with a 11-6 advantage.

The match -- the third time in four years that the two players have vied for the US Open crown -- is due to start at Arthur Ashe Stadium shortly after 5:00 pm EDT (2100 GMT).

Nadal beat Djokovic in 2010, but the Belgrade native turned the tables the following year, beating the Spaniard. Both of those matches went four sets, and both men are seeking their second US Open title.

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