But the top-seeded Djokovic landed the more punishing hits, pummeling Nadal, the tournament's defending champion, 6-2, 6-4, 6-7 (3-7), 6-1 to win his first U.S. Open championship after finishing as the tournament's runner-up in 2007 and 2010.
With the victory, Djokovic improved his record in this spectacular season to 64-2.
At 24, he has won three of the sport's four majors, with the U.S. Open rounding out a portfolio that includes the 2008 and 2011 Australian Open titles and the Wimbledon championship in July, where he also dethroned Nadal for the title.
Djokovic fell flat on his back on court after ripping a final forehand winner — his 55th winner of the match.
"Maybe it is the best match I played this year," he said. "I stepped on the court believing I could win. I didn't give him any comfort. I didn't give him any room."
Nadal, 25, was quick to the net with a congratulatory handshake.
But as the match made clear, the left-hander has yet to figure out a solution to Djokovic — who is 6-0 against him this year — no matter how much energy he expends on court.
Before a crowd of 23,000, Nadal mounted another physically wrenching effort against Djokovic. Once again, he lost.
There was an unrelenting rhythm to the match, and it exacted a harsh toll on both players — particularly Djokovic, who was two points from winning in straight sets, serving at 6-5 and 30-all, only to get broken after sending a forehand long.
There were signs Djokovic's lower back was ailing when the contenders began the tiebreak after more than three hours of play.
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