After defeating Daniil Medvedev 6-3 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 in the men’s final, Novak Djokovic won the US Open on Sunday, bringing his grand slam singles victory total to 24.
With his victory on Sunday, the world No. 2 equaled Margaret Court’s record for most grand slam victories ever, further solidifying his status as one of the best tennis players in history.
The Serbian completed his victorious comeback to the United States by avenging his defeat against No. 3 seed Medvedev in a repeat of the 2021 US Open final at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.
After the game, Djokovic stated, “It means the world to me. I’m able to participate at the greatest level in the sport that has given my family and me so much. That was my boyhood ambition.
Djokovic, who was playing in front of a star-studded audience, was in typically commanding form in the opening set, never encountering a breakpoint while netting 12 winners in nine games. Djokovic had a record of 72-1 when winning the opening set at the US Open going into Sunday’s final; his lone defeat came at the hands of Stan Wawrinka in the 2016 championship match.
Djokovic and Medvedev traded points in a suspenseful back-and-forth in the second set, which ended with the Serb’s 7-5 tiebreak triumph after an hour and 45 minutes.
With the momentum in his favor and a fourth US Open title within reach, Djokovic easily won, requiring just one win point to secure the illustrious victory.
The 36-year-old, who previously won three grand slam championships in a season in 2011, 2015, and 2021, becomes the first man to win three grand slam titles in a season and the oldest player to win the US Open singles title in the Open era with the triumph.
Additionally, Djokovic increased his advantage over Roger Federer of Switzerland (20) and Rafael Nadal of Spain (22) for the most men’s singles championships ever won.
Making sports history is “truly remarkable and special in every possible and special sense of the word special,” according to Djokovic.
Djokovic’s six-year-old daughter was watching the game from the front row, he said in a press conference following the match, telling reporters that she would smile at him when he needed her energy the most.
When his daughter and son, who is nine years old, were old enough to comprehend the victory, he stated they needed to witness it.
In response to the question of what motivates him to continue, Djokovic stated, “I don’t want to leave the sport if I’m still playing at the top.”
Djokovic pays homage to legend with historic win
After his victory, an overcome Djokovic briefly got down on his hands and knees before making his way to his relatives watching from the stands.
When he returned to the court, Djokovic changed into a blue shirt with a picture of himself and the late NBA icon Kobe Bryant on it, along with the words “Mamba Forever” and the number on the back. In the second portion of his NBA career, Bryant played with the number 24.
Bryant was a good friend of Djokovic, who felt that acknowledging him may be pleasant and significant.
In his relationship with Bryant, Djokovic said, “We talked a lot about the winner’s mentality when I was struggling with the injury and trying to make my comeback, work my way back to the top of the game.”
He was among the persons on whom I most relied. In the friendliest possible manner, he was always available for any form of guidance, counsel, or assistance.
Opportunities to make history
In this year’s major slams, Djokovic had a chance to change the course of history.
At the Australian Open, he equaled Rafael Nadal’s record of 22 grand slam victories. At the French Open, he broke the record with 23 grand slam victories. He lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final.
At the Australian Open in January 2024, the Serb will have the chance to surpass Court and cement his position as the all-time winningest player.
