Djokovic Hits 24, Outlasts Medvedev To Win Fourth US Open
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Novak Djokovic hung tough saving a set point in a marathon second set to prevail over Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3 at the US Open to win his 24th career Grand Slam title to tie Margaret Court for the all-time record.
“To make the history of this sport is something truly remarkable and special,” Djokovic said. “I never imagined that I would be here talking about 24 Slams. I never thought that would be the reality, but the last couple of years I felt I have a chance, I have a shot at history—and why not grab it if it’s presented.”
Said Medvedev, “24. I feel like I have not a bad career and I have 20 titles, you have 24 Grand Slams. Wow.”
Djokovic broke in the second game and then cruised to take the opener.
In the second, Djokovic continued to dominate on serve — at one point winning 15 straight points on serve — but Medvedev began to sink his teeth in. He began to serve better and finally got into a Djokovic service game.
Serving 3-4, Djokovic saved his first break point and then another this time a set point at 5-6. In the breaker, Medvedev got up first then played an incredible point to go up 5-4. But the Russian wouldn’t win another point and a 1 hour, 34 minute set went the way of the Serb.
“Should have won it. Should have won it, but sometimes tennis is not that easy,” Medvedev said of the set point he had at 5-6. “Passing for sure down the line, not cross, but I have two choices and I chose the wrong one. Had I won the second set maybe it could have been a different game.
“He was tired. He was missing some shots at the end of some long rallies,” Medvedev added. “That’s why it was a pity that I didn’t win the second set because I felt like I was all over him, like I was dominating in a way.”
Djokovic broke again to lead in the third but gave it right back. But another break was all he would need.
“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,” Djokovic said of the second set. “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 tie-break. When it mattered I put one ball into play more than he did. And that was enough.”
“Honestly, in the second I felt like I was losing air on so many occasions, and my legs, as well. I don’t recall being so exhausted after rallies really as I have been in the second set.”
Djokovic wins his first US Open since 2018 when he beat Juan Martin Del Potro also under the roof and also by the same scoreline.
Djokovic was playing in his first US Open since his 2021 loss to Medvedev. He wasn’t allowed in the country last year. Djokovic has now won three Slams titles in a single season for a fourth time. He has now won 24 Slam titles in 72 finals, or 33%.
Djokovic improves to 10-5 against Medvedev and he avenges the 2021 loss as well as a loss to his in Dubai.
Djokovic also becomes the oldest US Open at age 36.
“The fact is that at 36, every Grand Slam final could be the last one,” Djokovic said. “So I think that I probably value these occasions and opportunities to win another Slam more than I did maybe 10 years ago, because 10 years ago I felt like, ‘Hey, I still have quite a few years ahead of me.’ I don’t know how many I have ahead of me now, I don’t know how many of the years where I play four Slams in the season.”
“I see this every Grand Slam that I play right now as really a golden opportunity to make more history.”
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