Nadal Takes Two-Set Lead Over Medvedev In US Open Final

Rafael Nadal is leading the US Open final, taking a 7-5, 6-3 advantage over Daniil Medvedev. The Spaniard converted a late break to seize the first set and another break midway through the second.

Another slice of history is in Nadal's grasp in a Grand Slam final. The 33-year-old is bidding to become the first player to win five major titles after turning 30. He is also targeting a 19th overall crown, which would move him to within one of Roger Federer's all-time haul.

The three-time US Open champion (2010, 2013, 2017) is on fire this fortnight, dropping just one set and extending his overall win streak to nine straight with a semi-final win over Matteo Berrettini. He is 26-1 in his past five events.

Meanwhile, Medvedev enters his first Grand Slam final on a career-best 12-match win streak. The 23-year-old is not only trying to become the first major singles champion born in the 1990s, but the youngest since Juan Martin del Potro in New York in 2009. He is also the first Russian to reach a Grand Slam final since Marat Safin won the 2005 Australian Open title.

The lone previous encounter between Nadal and Medvedev went the way of the Spaniard in the Montreal final last month. He dominated the championship match for a 6-3, 6-0 victory.

It was his Russian opponent who drew first blood on a warm Sunday afternoon on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Engaging Nadal in long rallies, he outlasted the second seed from the baseline to earn the first break of the match. But, as Nadal made some adjustments as the set wore on, taking pace off his groundstrokes and charging the net (11/14 points won), he broke right back. And he would eventually grab the opener after exactly one hour as Medvedev struck his 20th unforced error.

The World No. 2 is 15-1 in major finals when winning the first set. With legend Rod Laver, actor Michael Douglas and fashion icons Anna Wintour and Ralph Lauren in attendance, Nadal would streak to a two-set lead. Medvedev escaped from a 0/40 hole at 1-2 in the second, saving four break points, but Nadal would finally edge ahead two games later. With his punishing groundstrokes taking a collective toll, he sprinted to a 6-3 set as a Medvedev forehand sailed long.