Rafael Nadal dons $1 million accessory in US Open final
They say if you’ve got it, you should flaunt it.
As Rafael Nadal would well know by now, being a highly successful tennis pro comes with a more than sizeable paycheck.
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Eagle-eyed fans of the Spanish star would have noticed the now 19-time Grand Slam winner wearing an extremely flashy accessory during the final of the US Open.
Nadal was wearing a yellow and red Richard Mille wristwatch for his clash with Russian star Daniil Medvedev.
Valued at $725,000 USD, the yellow and red trimmed wristwatch might have been something of a lucky charm for Nadal, who withstood a ferocious fightback from Medvedev in the third and fourth sets to claim a memorable Grand Slam victory.
Fittingly, Nadal wasn’t the only sporting superstar to make an extravagant statement with his choice of wrist-wear on Monday.
Cleveland Browns superstar Odell Beckham Jr made his debut with his new team while wearing a $350,000 USD Richard Mille wristwatch of his own.
Odell not the only one wearing a Richard Mille watch today. @RafaelNadal wearing the RM 27-03 during US Open Final. Limited to 50 pieces, retails for $725,000 each. pic.twitter.com/1gx9KAnB29
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) September 9, 2019
Nadal edges closer to Roger Federer record
Nadal broke down in tears after winning a titanic battle to secure a fourth US Open crown and 19th major - edging to within one of Federer's all-time record tally of 20.
Confirming himself as much more than the king of clay, Nadal resisted a fierce fightback from Daniil Medevev to end the Russian's breakout run with an epic 7-5 6-3 5-7 4-6 6-4 victory over the fifth seed in Sunday's final.
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.
However Nadal now has all four of his US Open titles this decade, compared to zero for Federer in the same period.
"That's so important for me. This victory means a lot, especially the way the match became so difficult, so tough," Nadal said.
"I was able to hold the nerves because the nerves were so high. It's been a crazy match.
"It's difficult to speak. I don't know, I'm just emotional. Sorry."