One of the biggest attributes the Spanish superstar and World Number 1 tennis player Rafael Nadal has is his never say-die attitude. The Spaniard just does not give up. This axiom came to the fore at the US Open 2018 yet again.

Rafa, the defending champion and No. 1 seed at Flushing Meadows recovered from his disastrous start to beat No. 9 Dominic Thiem 0-6, 6-4, 7-5, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5) for a semifinal berth . In a tournament where the heat had taken a toll on many players, Nadal showed great grit, determination and super stamina to battle his way to a remarkable comeback victory.

What. A. Match! @RafaelNadal fended off an enthusiastic D. Thiem 0-6, 6-4, 7-5, 6-7(4), 7-6(5) to book his spot in the semifinals. #USOpenhttps://t.co/8ZKV9d8Q9e pic.twitter.com/4McrWGP0Pf — US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 5, 2018

It was classic battle and it was one of the longest ever matches of the Grand Slam . An epic 4 hour 49 minute encounter of tennis at the highest level. Marked by long rallies from back of the court and both players not willing to let go each other from point to point. Thiem battled hard and stretched Nadal to the limit and almost pulled of an upset . But Nadal the Champion did not give in and hung on to script a thrilling win.