By Tony Fairbairn
- Novak Djokovic [2] def Daniil Medvedev [3] 6-3 7-6(5) 6-3
- Novak Djokovic described his latest historic achievement as ‘remarkable’ after claiming a 24th Grand Slam title
NEW YORK, USA – Novak Djokovic described his historic 24th Grand Slam title as ‘remarkable’ after defeating Daniil Medvedev to win his fourth US Open title.
 |
Novak Djokovic [2] def Daniil Medvedev [3] 6-3 7-6(5) 6-3
Novak Djokovic is a US Open champion for the fourth time in his career after he captured his 24th Grand Slam title with a straight sets win over Daniil Medvedev. Djokovic imposed his aggressive style of play from the first point of the match as he produced some stunning forehands to put Medvedev on the back foot. A perfect start from Djokovic was rewarded with a break of serve as he secured a 3-0 lead with Medvedev already feeling the pressure.
As the set progressed, Medvedev started to extend the rallies and found confidence on return as he forced Djokovic into more passive shots. However the Serb survived a tough service game in the fifth game and continued to impose attacking tennis on Medvedev, who couldn’t find free points on his first serve. Despite not securing the second break, Djokovic confidently closed out the opening set on his third set point.
In the second set, Djokovic continued to dominate on return but was already showing signs that he was fatigued from Medvedev’s ability to extend the rallies and make this a war of attrition. At one point Djokovic fell to the floor as he continued to stretch his muscles while Medvedev continued to gain confidence from every service hold as the second set was reaching unprecedented levels of brutality.
The 2021 champion had multiple chances to secure the second set as he won some epic shots and was a backhand down-the-line passing shot away from levelling the match at one set all. However that was the difference between the two players as Medvedev failed to make the right choices while Djokovic’s decision-making was efficient at the crucial moments.
The Serb’s ability to serve and volley neutralised Medvedev’s baseline efficiency as Djokovic forced a tiebreak. An epic 105 minute second set saw Djokovic come back from a mini-break down to secure the tiebreak 7-5 and secure a massive step towards making more history in New York.
There was not much quality in the final set as both players were clearly fatigued but Djokovic was the player who was able to bring a consistent level when it mattered the most. The three-time champion continued to be aggressive as he broke for a 3-1 lead before Medvedev made the most of some sloppy errors from Djokovic to immediately break back.
However Djokovic wouldn’t be denied as a break in the sixth game followed by securing a comfortable hold in the ninth game means that the Serb leaves New York with a 24th Grand Slam title and the world number one ranking.
 |
Learning lessons the key to history for Djokovic
Another incredible achievement from Djokovic as he continues to prove why he is the greatest player of all-time. A 24th Grand Slam title for the Serb and a fourth title at the US Open as he continues to achieve history.
Speaking after the match Djokovic described his latest achievement as ‘remarkable’ and didn’t think he would win as many Grand Slams as he has done.
“To make history of this sport is just something truly remarkable and special,” Djokovic told the ATP website.
“Obviously in every in every possible way, in every possible meaning of the word special. It’s hard to describe in words. I had the childhood dream when I was seven, eight. I wanted to become the best player in the world and win the Wimbledon trophy. That was the only thing I wanted.
“But then when I realised that, obviously I started to dream new dreams and set new objectives, new goals. I never imagined that I would be here standing with you talking about 24 Slams.”
An astonishing achievement from Djokovic as he continues to separate himself from the field when it comes to winning Grand Slams. The latest title means Djokovic has won three of the four Grand Slams this year which has contributed to him regaining the world number one ranking.
One of the keys to Djokovic’s latest triumph was learning the lessons from two years ago when he lost to Medvedev in the final where there was a lot more history on the line.
“I really did my best in the last 48 hours not to allow the importance of the moment and what’s on the line get to my head, because two years ago that’s what happened, and I underperformed and I wasn’t able to be at my best and I was outplayed,” Djokovic told the ATP website.
“So I learned my lesson. My team, my family knew that the last 24 hours, don’t touch me, don’t speak to me about the history of what’s on the line. I really did my best to keep things quite simple and stick to the routines that brought me to where I am and treat this match really as any other match where I just need to win.”
It was a successful mental adjustment from Djokovic as he claimed a fourth US Open title in a relatively straight-forward final. This title means a lot to the Serb from a sporting perspective but it means even more to Djokovic from a personal perspective as his family watched on from the stands.
“She was facing me when I was sitting on the bench. And she smiled at me,” Djokovic said about his daughter when speaking to the ATP website.
“Every single time I needed, I guess that kind of innocent child energy, I got it from her. When I was going through the very stressful moments, particularly in the second set when I needed a little bit of a push of strength, of just lightness, I guess, she gave me a smile, a fist pump.
“She was into it. It’s so funny to see that and so interesting to see that she’s six years old, my son is nine, and they were both there. They’re both aware of what’s happening.”
Finally, Djokovic was asked about how long he thinks he can play for as he approaches another year in 2024 where more history is on the line. The Serb admitted that he wants to keep going while he is at the top and isn’t putting a number on how many Grand Slam titles he wants to end up with.
“I don’t put any number right now in my mind on how many Slams I want to win until the end of my career. I don’t really have any number,” Djokovic revealed to the ATP website.
“These are the moments and these are the kind of emotions that I motivate myself with every single day when I’m not playing a tournament. Yeah, occasionally [I am] asking myself, ‘Why do I need this still at this stage after all I have done? How long do I want to keep going?
“I do have these questions in my head, of course. But knowing that I play at such a high level still and I win the biggest tournaments in this sport, I don’t want to get rid of this sport or I don’t want to leave this sport if I’m still at the top, if I’m still playing the way I’m playing.
“Eventually one day I will leave tennis in about 23, 24 years. And there is going to be new young players coming up. Until then, I guess you’ll see me a bit more.”
Stubborn Medvedev rues missed chances
However it was disappointment for Medvedev who couldn’t win a second Grand Slam title as he was beaten comprehensively in the end. It could have been a different story with Medvedev having several chances to seal the second set especially on set point when he decided to go for the backhand cross-court passing shot instead of down the line.
Speaking after the match Medvedev spoke about his decision-making and admitted that he does have regrets about the loss.
“Oh, regrets, for sure. Should have won it. Should have won it, but sometimes tennis is not that easy,” Medvedev analysed when speaking to the ATP website.
“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.
“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.”
How to Watch/Follow US Open 2023
| Live Stream | Sky/Now TV Subscription Required |
| Live Scores | Tennis Scores Powered By TNNSLIVE |
 Sign up to PBLC for free to support ongoing contributions from Britwatch Sports |
| Follow Britwatch - Sport in General, Brits in Particular! | |
|---|---|
| Soundcloud | |
| YouTube | |
| We may receive compensation for products purchased via affiliate links on this website | |