US Open: 5 best men's singles matches in the last 10 years

Modified Aug 20, 2019 11:11 GMT

Novak Djokovic poses with his third title at the 2018 US Open

#3 2015 3rd round: Fognini beats Nadal 3-6 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4

It looked like another regulation outing for Rafael Nadal at a Grand Slam when the Spaniard rolled to a two-set lead in his third-round match against Fabio Fognini at the 2015 US Open.

But the match turned out to be anything but a regulation clash as the Italian, from a break down in the third, won five of the next six games to take the set.

It was still advantage Nadal as he had a two sets to one lead but Fognini fired more winners than unforced errors to clinch the fourth set and force a decider.

In an incredible fifth set, Fognini broke the Nadal serve thrice only for the Spaniard to break back each time. However, a fourth break of serve in the set proved insurmountable as the mercurial Italian served out the set 6-4 to enter his first US Open fourth round.

It was the first time in 152 matches at a Grand Slam that Nadal had lost after taking the first two sets.

The defeat also ended Nadal's record of winning a Grand Slam in ten consecutive years.

About the author

Bhargav is a veteran sports journalist and editor at Sportskeeda, with a rich professional experience of 17 years, working for the likes of Siemens and Bombay Dyeing. An avid football and tennis follower for over three decades, Bhargav uses his vast knowledge and experience, attention to detail, an unbiased yet interesting writing style, and thorough research to craft insightful articles, which have raked in over 18 million reads so far.

Bhargav supports Italy at national level, a team steeped in tradition and history according to him. He still harbors the heartbreak from the Azzurri’s 1994 FIFA World Cup final defeat against Brazil, and protagonist-turned-antagonist from the game, ‘Divine Ponytail’ Roberto Baggio is his all-time favorite player. His favorite manager is Marcelo Lippi, who ended Italy’s 24-year wait for the World Cup trophy, winning it in 2006.

Outside Europe’s top five leagues, he follows the MLS following Lionel Messi’s move in 2023 but favors Cristiano Ronaldo in the G.O.A.T. debate. During his free time, Bhargav enjoys driving off to new places and singing.

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