How Rafael Nadal redefined tennis history at the 2010 US Open tournament
In short: When Rafael Nadal secured his victory at the 2010 US Open, he did more than claim a trophy. He achieved a rare trifecta of historical milestones, cementing his status as a singular force in the sport. His performance that year remains a landmark moment for tennis records and competitive dominance.
The 2010 US Open final saw Rafael Nadal defeat Novak Djokovic in four sets, with scores of 6–4, 5–7, 6–4, and 6–2. This victory was significant for several reasons: it marked Nadal's inaugural US Open title and his ninth major championship overall. By winning this tournament, he joined an elite group of only seven men who have achieved a career Grand Slam. Furthermore, he became only the second man to secure a career Golden Slam, a feat that encompasses all four major titles plus an Olympic gold medal.
Nadal also set a unique standard by becoming the first man to capture a Surface Slam, winning major titles on clay, grass, and hard courts within a single calendar year. At the time of his 2010 win, he was 24 years and 102 days old, making him the youngest man to ever complete the career Grand Slam. This record stood for over a decade until Carlos Alcaraz surpassed it at the 2026 Australian Open at the age of 22 years and 272 days.
The tournament was notable for the absence of the previous year's winner, Juan Martín del Potro. Following a wrist surgery in May and a limited return to practice in August, del Potro was unable to defend his title. He became the third man in the Open Era to skip the defense of his US Open crown, following Ken Rosewall in 1971 and Pete Sampras in 2003. Additionally, the event marked a historic low for American men's tennis, as no domestic player was seeded within the top eight for the first time in the history of the tournament.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 2010 US Open – Men's singles
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