WATCH : Rafael Nadal’s emotional victory speech after US Open 2017

Three sets and a sumptuous slice later, Rafael Nadal won his 16th Grand slam title and a third US Open after beating Kevin Anderson 6-3, 6-3, 6-4.

This victory signaled the end of a remarkable year for the 31 year old. One year ago, Nadal could not have imagined that he would end 2017 as world number one, having won the French Open and US Open in the year.

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But that is what happened, as Nadal and his long time rival Roger Federer clean sweeped the grand slams this year. Nadal has actually reached three grand slam finals this year, something that surprised himself as well.

Nadal was visibly emotional, as he spoke during the US Open trophy presentation.

This is what Nadal had to say,

“For me personally, it’s just unbelievable what happened to me this year after a couple of years with some troubles: injuries, moments playing not good,” Nadal said in the postmatch ceremony on Sunday. “From the beginning of the season, it has been very emotional.”

The beaten finalist, Kevin Anderson also spoke glowingly about Rafa Nadal during the presentation.

“I don’t know if the team hug is the appropriate thing for the final, but it certainly seemed like the right thing to do,” Anderson said Friday. “These Grand Slams are tough. We are privileged to play with some of the best players in the history of the game. It’s nice some of them gave us a bit of a shot to make a run at this tournament.