Rafael Nadal has won his 16th Grand Slam title after a straight-sets win over big-serving South African Kevin Anderson in the US Open final at Flushing Meadows.
The Spaniard won 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 in two hours and 27 minutes to secure the title for the third time, cementing his position as world number one in a year when he has also won the French Open and reached the Australian Open final.
Nadal's triumph also means he is back to being just three Grand Slam titles behind Roger Federer, who at 36 may find repeating this year's triumphs beyond even him.
Few could have anticipated that the year would be dominated by a pair who were sidelined with injury over the second half of last year as Andy Murray surged to the top of the rankings ahead of Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka left Flushing Meadows holding the title. Now, that trio are all on the sidelines hoping that in 2018 they can be the ones to make spectacular comebacks.
Speaking about his re-emergence, the Spaniard said: "It's just unbelievable what happened this year.
"After a couple of years with some troubles, injuries, sometimes playing not good - since the beginning of the season it has been very, very emotional."
There was plenty of emotion for Anderson too in what was his first Grand Slam final. With so many top players out, this year gave him a big chance to make an impact and fans booking corporate hospitality for the ATP World Tour finals at the O2 arena in November will be able to see him in action again.
On this occasion Nadal was too good for him, however, losing just 15 points on his own serve and not facing a single break point. It was a ruthless display that suggests Nadal has every chance to adding several more Grand Slams to his bulging trophy cabinet.
If Nadal's comeback has been impressive, Sloane Stephens has managed an even more remarkable one in winning the women's singles. Ranked 957th in the world just six weeks ago after foot surgery, she dismantled Madison Keys 6-3, 6-0 in a brilliant display.