Novak Djokovic won his fourth U.S. Open title and the 24th Grand Slam of his career on Sunday evening in New York.
Djokovic, who lost to Daniil Medvedev in straight sets in the 2021 final at Flushing Meadows, turned the tide with a 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3 victory over the Russian. The 36-year-old Serb prevailed after three hours and 16 minutes–an hour and 44 minutes of which were required to complete the second set alone.
It was a second set that saw Medvedev earn a set point with Djokovic serving at 5-6. The world No. 3 got a relatively easy look at a passing shot that would have leveled the match at a set apiece, but he chose to go cross-court in Djokovic’s direction instead of down the line and it was answered with a routine volley winner. Djokovic ended up forcing a tiebreaker, which he took seven points to five.
Sets one and three were much different–mostly one-way traffic for the world No. 2 (No. 1 on Monday). Djokovic wrapped up the win with a convincing service hold at 5-3 in the third.
“What probably made the difference and the key of the match was second set–almost two hours,” said Djokovic, who seemed to be on the ropes physically during that marathon middle frame of play. “I don’t think I have ever played a longer set in my life, particularly not on this occasion against a top player like Daniil.
“I think he was probably a better player in the second set. He deserved to win that set more than I did. Somehow I managed to turn things around in the tiebreak. When it mattered I put one ball into play more than he did. And that was enough.
“After that, I regained my energy.”
“(I have) regrets, for sure,” Medvedev admitted. “(I) should have won it; should have won it. But sometimes tennis (is) not that easy. [I should have hit the passing shot] for sure down the line, not cross, but I have two choices and I chose the wrong one.
“In general, yeah, (the) second set was the best set I played and I didn’t win it. First and third he was kind of better and not much to say. Second if I would win it, maybe could have been a different game…. Yeah, that’s how life is and tennis is. So I’m going to try to be better next time.”
too good
Novak Djokovic scales 24 grand slam by winning US open 23.yes Dannil Medveddev had the chances in the marathon second set. Had he won the second set, the result might have been different. Cheers Novak well done Dannil Medveddev
Incredible achievement by Novak. He really had no business winning that second set, but he did. He served huge when he needed to and just generally played the big points brilliantly.
What more is there to say about this guy? You have to hope he gets one more slam, just to put Margaret Court in the rearview mirror.
Congratulations to Djokovich! Amazing straight sets win! Wow!
IF there was ever any doubt about the GOAT status, this pretty much puts a ribbon around it for Djoko.
(Humbly saying so, me: Nadal fan)
Really looking forward to watching the match when it goes online. Can’t comment on something I haven’t seen but it seems that Novak played brilliantly. Sorry for Meddy though as he is one of my faves.
It’s good to see Margaret Court not holding the record now!!!
Agree w/all of the above…have never been a huge Joker fan, but what a tough competitor…just too good.
I actually thought Djoko would lose over a long match at his age. But I was amazed .Best competitor I’ve ever seen .
And of all people, I’d prefer he lost to Meddy.