Answer Summary
The 2019 US Open singles champion was Rafael Nadal, who defeated Daniil Medvedev in the final (3–6, 7–6(7–5), 5–7, 4–6, 6–4, 6–3, 6–4). This victory gave Nadal his fourth US Open title and 19th Grand Slam overall at the time. Below is a verified breakdown of the event, the match, and the key context surrounding Nadal’s win.
2019 US Open Final Match Details
The 2019 US Open men’s singles final took place on September 8, 2019, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. Rafael Nadal prevailed in a five-hour, three-minute marathon, prevailing 3–6, 7–6(7–5), 5–7, 4–6, 6–4, 6–3, 6–4. The win marked Nadal’s third consecutive US Open title (2017–2019) and extended his Grand Slam tally to 19, trailing only Roger Federer and Pete Sampras at the time.
Set-by-Set Breakdown
- First Set: Medvedev prevailed 6–3, capitalizing on Nadal’s early forehand struggles.
- Second Set: Nadal leveled in a tiebreak, showcasing his resilience on key points.
- Third Set: Medvedev regained the lead 7–5, pushing the match to a pivotal fourth set.
- Fourth Set: Medvedev closed the set 6–4, bringing the match to a decisive fifth set.
- Fifth Set: Nadal broke serve once and held serve to seal the title in grueling fashion.
Champion Profile: Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal, born June 3, 1986, in Manacor, Spain, is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. On the day of the 2019 final, he was 33 years old and ranked world No. 2. Nadal is best known for his dominance on clay, particularly at the French Open where he holds a record 13 singles titles as of 2025. His movement, heavy topspin forehand, and tactical mastery define his playing style.
Match Statistics and Key Facts
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Champion | Rafael Nadal | Official USTA |
| Opponent | Daniil Medvedev | Official USTA |
| Final Score | 3–6, 7–6(7–5), 5–7, 4–6, 6–4, 6–3, 6–4 | USTA |
| Date | September 8, 2019 | Event records |
| Duration | 5 hours, 3 minutes | Official timing |
| Venue | Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York | Event data |
| Prize Money (2019) | Approx. $3,850,000 | USTA prize payout records |
| Grand Slams After Win | 19 (at the time) | ATP media notes |
Tournament Context and Path to the Title
Beyond the final, the 2019 US Open highlighted Nadal’s mental toughness and versatility. He dropped just two sets en route to the title, both in straight sets to Karen Khachanov and to Medvedev in the semifinal. The semifinal was notable for Nadal saving a match point, reinforcing his reputation for peak performances on the biggest stages. His path included top-10 wins over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the fourth round and Roger Federer in the quarterfinals, before the pivotal semifinal clash with Medvedev.
Significance and Legacy of the 2019 Win
Victory at the 2019 US Open extended Nadal’s Grand Slam lead at the time and reinforced his status as a clutch performer in the late stages of major tournaments. The win also contributed to his year-end No. 2 ranking for 2019, behind Novak Djokovic. For many analysts, the five-set marathon against Medvedev is emblematic of Nadal’s fighting spirit and capacity to elevate his level when the stakes are highest. The match remains a textbook example of endurance, tactical flexibility, and shot-making under pressure.
Comparative Context: Recent US Open Champions (2017–2019)
| Year | Champion | Runner-up | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Rafael Nadal | Kevin Anderson | 6–3, 6–3, 6–4 |
| 2018 | Novak Djokovic | Del Potro | 7–6(7–4), 6–4, 6–3 |
| 2019 | Rafael Nadal | Daniil Medvedev | 3–6, 7–6(7–5), 5–7, 4–6, 6–4, 6–3, 6–4 |
Quick Facts at a Glance
- 2019 Champion: Rafael Nadal
- Final Opponent: Daniil Medvedev
- Venue: Arthur Ashe Stadium, Flushing Meadows, New York
- Surface: Hard court (DecoTurf)
- Tournament Dates: August 26 – September 8, 2019
- Prize Money (Champion): $3,850,000 (approx.)
- Significance: Fourth US Open title; 19th Grand Slam at the time
Related Topics and Further Reading
For deeper context, explore profiles of Nadal’s French Open dominance, comparisons with Djokovic’s 2011 and Federer’s 2007 US Open performances, and the evolution of hardcourt Grand Slam play in the mid-2010s to late 2010s.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who won the 2019 US Open men’s singles? Rafael Nadal won the 2019 US Open men’s singles title.
- How long was the 2019 US Open final? The final lasted 5 hours and 3 minutes, one of the longest in US Open history.
- How many US Open titles did Nadal have after 2019? Nadal had four US Open singles titles after winning in 2019 (2010, 2013, 2017, 2019).
- Who did Nadal beat in the 2019 US Open final? He defeated Daniil Medvedev in the final.
- Was this Nadal’s 19th Grand Slam? Yes, the 2019 US Open marked Nadal’s 19th Grand Slam singles title at the time of the event.