Rafael Nadal closed out the final major of the year with a resounding 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 win over Kevin Anderson on Sunday. It was Nadal’s third US Open title and 16th career grand slam win.

It was a contrast of playing styles on display at Arthur Ashe Stadium as Anderson used his powerful, quick-strike game against the aggressive baseline play of Nadal who features one of the great forehands in the game coupled with high-level defense and game intensity.

In the first set, Nadal found a way to read Anderson’s big serve, batting it back into play, forcing him into rallies. And Anderson was made to fight to hold serve. The South African changed tactics and began to serve-and-volley to take away Nadal’s block return and the strategy found some success. But serving at 3-3, the Spaniard finally gained the first opportunity of the match with a service break. He would consolidate the break and close the set out with another service break to carry momentum into the second set.

Nadal came out in the second set appearing fresh, darting around the court. Meanwhile, the long games in which Anderson was forced to hold serve looked to have taken some steam from his game. Nevertheless, Anderson battled early but as the set moved forward, Nadal seemed to have endless energy while his faded.

Nadal kept his foot on the gas in the third set, opening with a break of service. As the Nadal express continued, the positive energy that Anderson had shown for much of the fortnight, started to fade away. But to his credit, he continued to compete despite the large deficit. But Nadal was all business as the finish line approached and he closed out the match on his racket.

It was a strong performance for the champion who finished the match with 30 winners to just 11 unforced errors. Anderson could not win enough free points and with his first service struggling, Nadal found success against his second offering. Anderson won just 36 percent of his second serve points.

“It’s been a very special two weeks for me. After a couple with some troubles, injuries, some moments playing no great, since the beginning of the season it’s been very emotional”, said Nadal. “I’ve been playing a very high level of tennis. To close the Grand Slam year here in New York…the crowd is just incredible. They make me feel so so happy.”

This will be the last grand slam where Nadal has “Uncle Toni” in his box. Toni Nadal will no longer tour with Rafael and will focus on the academy in Mallorca.

At the end of the grand slam season of 2017, both Nadal and Roger Federer won 2 major titles and Nadal will enter the fall ranked world no. 1. He will continue his pursuit of Federer’s 19 major championships, now just 3 behind.