Djokovic hails vanquisher Nadal

NOVAK DJOKOVIC has backed Rafael Nadal to become the greatest player of all time, after failing to prevent the Spaniard from completing a sweep of the four grand slam titles in New York.

Nadal claimed the US Open with a 6-4 5-7 6-4 6-2 success at Flushing Meadows to add to the crowns won previously at the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon.

The world number one becomes the seventh man to achieve the feat — and the third youngest behind Rod Laver and Don Budge.