Novak Djokovic won the fourth US Open of his career by defeating Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-3 on Sunday.
Djokovic, 36, passed Serena Williams to become the first person with 24 Grand Slam titles in the modern era, which began in 1968. Margaret Court also won 24, but 13 of them have not been taken by professionals at majors. tournaments.
“I never imagined that I would be here talking in front of you about 24 major titles,” Djokovic said. I never thought it was true. However, in recent years I feel that I have a chance. I feel like I have a chance to make history, so why not take advantage of the opportunity? »
Djoko started the match strong, moving around the court with a flair only he knows how.
The Serbian won 12 of the first 16 match points, including three aces, to take a 3-0 lead and then 4-1 in the first set.
Some moments of the match, especially in the second set, which lasted an hour and 44 minutes, were as much about strength as about skill. Djokovic seemed tired in some points, while many points were high and demanding.
Djokovic leans with his hands on his knees, uses his racket for support, or stretches his legs between points.
Medvedev gets a set point, with a chance to break at 6-5. Djokovic, however, rushed toward the net after his serve, and Medvedev, with an opening backhand to Djokovic’s right, headed the ball past his opponent. Djokovic just had to push it back on the other side to save the set point.
Rafael Nadal, who has been sidelined since January with a hip injury that required surgery, is second among men with 22 major titles. Roger Federer, who announced his retirement a year ago, won 20.
This victory over Medvedev, who defeated Djokovic at the same venue in 2021, denying him the first calendar Grand Slam in more than half a decade, makes the Serb the oldest US Open champion in the modern era.
“First, I would like to ask you, Novak, why are you still here,” Medvedev joked during the trophy ceremony after the match.
This is Medvedev’s fifth major tournament final, with a record of 1-4. He lost two finals against Djokovic, and two more against Nadal.
Djokovic has four titles in New York, 10 from the Australian Open, seven from Wimbledon and three from Roland-Garros.
The Serbian is 27-1 this season in major tournaments, with his only loss coming in the Wimbledon final, against Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz.
“It means everything to me,” said Djokovic, who will return to world No. 1 this Monday.
Alcaraz was the shooting champion in Flushing Meadows, but lost in the semifinals to Medvedev.
