Daniil Medvedev has become the third Russian man in history to win a major title after defeating a lackluster Novak Djokovic to lift the US Open trophy.
Playing in the final at Flushing Meadows for the second time in his career after 2019, an inspired Medvedev produced a stern service display and belted the ball deep towards the baseline throughout his 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, triumph over the world No.1. In contrast Djokovic, who was bidding to become the first man to win a Calendar Slam for 53 years, looked weary on the court after coming through some tough matches earlier in the week.
The 25-year-old has become the ninth different player to win the US Open men’s title since 2007. Coming into the final he had won 14 out of his past 15 matches played on his favorite surface. Medvedev has won more hard-court titles and matches than any other ATP player over the past three years. Against Djokovic, he won 81% of his first service points and fired 38 winners past him.
“Sorry for you the fans and Novak. We all know what he was trying to achieve. What you have accomplished this year and throughout your career – I never said this to anybody but I will say it right now. For me, you are the greatest tennis player in history.” Medvedev said during the trophy ceremony.
In what was a rematch of this year’s Australian Open final, Medvedev made an emphatic start with the help of an almost flawless service performance. In Djokovic’s opening game the top seed struggled to find his footing with a series of unforced errors enabling his opponent to break in the first game. In the driving seat, Medvedev snatched the opening set by winning 20 out of his 23 service points against somebody who has been described as one of the best returners in the history of men’s tennis. Fittingly he would seal the 6-4 lead with the help of an ace.
Losing the opener has become an unwelcome tradition for Djokovic in New York who also found himself in the same scenario in his four previous matches. To put that into perspective, it has been 132 years since a male player last reached the US Open final after coming back from a set down on four occasions.
However, Medvedev continued to have the upper hand against the 20-time Grand Slam champion who reached boiling point early on in the second frame. Djokovic’s inability to convert break point opportunities prompted him to smash his racket on the ground out of anger. Then in the following game, a series of uncharacteristic mistakes enabled Medvedev to issue his next blow as he broke for a 3-2 lead. Closing in on the 6-4, 6-4, lead he prevailed on his third set point with the help of another Djokovic error.
The former champion continued to struggle with his movement as Medvedev’s sublime defensive play resembled that of a brick wall. A double break in the third set moved him closer to the brink of winning the biggest title of his life.
Serving for the title Medvedev encountered a fresh obstacle – the animated New York crowd. Bursts of boos erupted from fans who wanted the final to be prolonged and voiced their support for Djokovic who at one point looked to be clearly emotional by the situation. Leading 5-2 Medvedev failed to serve the match out but triumphed two games later when a shot from his nemesis slammed into the net. Prompting him to drop to the floor.
“I want to thank you guys (the crowd). I mean today maybe (the support) was a little bit more for Novak but that’s completely understandable. Throughout the week you gave me a lot of energy. It helped me,” the new champion said.
“Today is the third anniversary for me and my wife. During the tournament, I couldn’t think of a present or anything . When I made the final, I thought, if I lose I need to find a present fast. I have no time to find a present, I have to win this match.” He added.
Whilst he didn’t win the title, Djokovic still managed to win over the hearts of many fans watching on the Arthur Ashe Stadium who gave him a standing ovation. Something he said makes him the ‘happiest man alive.’
“I was thinking in both scenarios, visualing myself standing here in front of you guys and what would I say. I would like to say that tonight, even though I have not won the match, my heart is filled with joy and I am the happiest man alive because you guys made me feel very special on the court,” Djokovic said to the crowd.
“You guys touched my soul. I have never felt like this is New York. I love you guys. Thank you so much for your support and everything you have done tonight for me.”
Medvedev is the only active player to have a winning record against Djokovic as world No.1.
