COMEBACK

Rafael Nadal Wins U.S. Open to Claim 16th Grand Slam Title

Tennis legend says he’s “very happy to be back” after two-year hiatus.

Rafael Nadal made a major comeback at the U.S. Open on Sunday, beating Kevin Anderson 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 to claim victory after more than two years out of the spotlight. The win gave Nadal his 16th Grand Slam trophy, leaving him second only to Roger Federer, who holds 19. It was Nadal’s third U.S. Open championship, and his first since 2013. “Of course, after a couple of years without competing at this very high, high level, very happy to be back,” Nadal said. “For me personally, it’s just unbelievable what happened to me this year after a couple of years with some troubles: injuries, moments playing not good,” he said during a post-match ceremony. “From the beginning of the season, it has been very emotional.”