Nadal edges Medvedev to claim 19th grand slam after epic US Open final

Rafael Nadal has secured a fourth US Open crown - and 19th grand slam men's singles title to edge to within one of Roger Federer's all-time record tally - after an epic 7-5 6-3 5-7 4-6 6-4 victory over Daniil Medvedev in Monday's (AEST) final.

Rafael Nadal is pushed to the limit by Daniil Medvedev in the men's singles final at the US Open Source: AAP

Only Federer, Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors, with five titles each, have reigned more times than Nadal in New York in the 51-year open era.

The great Spaniard's four hour and 49 minute victory extended the dominance of tennis's big three of Nadal, Federer and Novak Djokovic to 12 straight slams.

But Nadal was forced to fight to prevent Medvedev from striking a massive blow for the sport's next-gen stars.

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