Rafael Nadal is closing in on Roger Federer's record Grand Slam haul after a thrilling five-set victory over Daniil Medvedev in the US Open final on Sunday.
Nadal surrendered a two-set lead before coming through a tense decisive set to end an impressive challenge from first-time major finalist Medvedev in just under five hours.
The Spaniard's fourth Flushing Meadows crown takes his overall Grand Slam haul to 19, moving him to within one of Federer's all-time record 20 Grand Slam singles titles.
Nadal has won three major titles since Federer last tasted Grand Slam success in Melbourne 18 months ago, and it's hard to imagine the Spaniard won't add to his tally in 2020.
Nadal is totally dominant on clay and, barring injury, it's difficult to see past the 33-year-old claiming a 13th French Open triumph at Roland Garros in May.
Though marginally inferior to both Federer and Novak Djokovic on hard and grass courts, Nadal is certainly capable of further Slam success on both surfaces and a fourth US Open title in New York shows he is still at the very pinnacle of the sport.
At 33 - five years Federer's junior - Nadal also has time on his side, though Federer's incredible longevity continues to defy the biological law of ageing. Asked at the US Open if he could see himself playing into his 40s, the Swiss said: “It’s not impossible.
“A few years ago, I wouldn’t have thought that could be possible. But when you feel fully fit like I do right now, you think you can play forever."
Below is the list of the men who have won the most Slam titles.
Roger Federer 20
Rafael Nadal 19
Novak Djokovic 16
Pete Sampras 14
Roy Emerson 12
Rod Laver 11
Bjorn Borg 11
Bill Tilden 10
