Funny old tournament, this US Open. Despite some memorable cameos earlier in the fortnight – notably from Canadian prodigy Denis Shapovalov – finals weekend felt distinctly flat. And Toni Nadal, the veteran coach who is about to abdicate from the tour, was not afraid to admit it.

“During the match I thought Rafael was better than Kevin,” said the man universally known as Uncle Toni, in the wake of Nadal’s uneventful 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 victory over first-time finalist Kevin Anderson. “For us it’s normal that he’s a little more fresh than when he played here against Djokovic. It was not the same.

“This tournament was different because we play against Dolgopolov, Rublev, good players but not the top. I don’t want to say anything bad for our opponents but this time some lose [or, rather, got injured] before playing - Murray, Djokovic, Wawrinka, Nishikori, Raonic. And then Federer lose. But I think Rafael has played well and was the best of the people who has played.”