Watch: Nadal beats Anderson to win third US Open title

A relentless Rafa Nadal thumped Kevin Anderson 6-3 6-3 6-4 to win the U.S. Open on Sunday, earning the Spaniard his second grand slam title of the season and 16th of his career.

While women's tennis produced two first grand slam winners this season, the old guard continues to reign supreme in the men's game, with Nadal and long-time rival Roger Federer sweeping the majors with two apiece.

It marked the fourth U.S. Open final and third title for Nadal but the first time without Novak Djokovic on the other side of the net.

“Personally it’s just unbelievable what happened this year after a couple years with some troubles, injuries, some moments playing not good," 31-year-old Nadal told a cheering crowd.

"Since the first important event of the year in Australia I’ve been playing, I think, a very high level of tennis and closed the grand slam year winning here in New York."

The world number one was as brilliant as he was business-like, keeping the towering South African under constant pressure and denying him a single break point.

For 31-year-old journeyman Anderson, a grand slam breakthrough was not to be, his booming serve having no impact against a near-perfect performance from...