US Open men's final in pictures

The 2010 US Open final pits Rafael Nadal, the eight-times grand slam champion, against Novak Djokovic, a former runner-up in New York whose only previous major victory came in Australia in 2008 Photograph: Stan Honda/AFP/Getty Images

The match should have been played on Sunday, but torrential downpours forced its postponement until Monday. The delay allowed Djokovic, who came through a tough five-set match with Roger Federer, some vital recuperation time Photograph: Mark Humphrey/AP

Nadal and Djokovic engage in a punishing first set – Nadal breaking first in the opening game only to see his Serbian opponent hit back in game four Photograph: Al Bello/Getty Images

Nadal then regains his advantage in game five after converting his sixth break point with a fine forehand Photograph: Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

Nadal serves out the first set, winning 6-4 Photograph: Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Djokovic dominates the start of the second set, going 4-1 up before Nadal drags himself level. A rain break lasting nearly two hours interrupts play ... Photograph: Stan Honda/AFP/Getty Images

... when the match resumes, Djokovic snatches the second set 7-5 Photograph: Al Bello/Getty Images

However, the 23-year-old is broken early in the third set, allowing Nadal to claim the set 6-4 and take a 2-1 lead Photograph: Gary Hershorn/Reuters

Game 10 of the third set was evidence of Nadal's resolve. The Spaniard held serve from the perilous position of 30-30 despite the pressure of another Djokovic fightback Photograph: Nick Laham/Getty Images

Beads of sweat roll down Djokovic's cheeks as he contemplates the situation. He must drag himself through another two sets if he is to win the title Photograph: Gary Hershorn/Reuters

The Serbian tries to force the game into a fifth set, but is undone by two breaks of serve ... Photograph: Nick Laham/Getty Images

... Nadal eventually wins the fourth set 6-2 and with it claims his ninth grand slam title Photograph: Al Bello/Getty Images

The champion holds his trophy aloft in front of the assembled photographers. Nadal has become only the seventh man to win all four majors, following in the footsteps of Roger Federer who achieved the same feat last year Photograph: Nick Laham/Getty Images