Novak Djokovic did it again. The Serbian took his twenty-fourth Grand Slam crown after defeating Daniil Medvedev in the US Open final. In a shorter match than expected, Djokovic managed to dominate Medvedev and finish the match in three sets, 6-3, 7-6 and 6-3. At 36 years and 111 days, he became the oldest Grand Slam champion in Open history, surpassing Australian Ken Ronsenwall, who had held the title since 1972.
After losing in 2021 at the hands of Medvedev himself, Nole returned to become champion of the US Open. In a match that lasted a little over three hours, the world's No. 2 tennis player stood out for the effectiveness of his returns, few unforced errors and a large number of points earned at the net.
With this achievement, Djokovic reached 24 Grand Slam titles, which are divided as follows: 10 Australian Open, 7 Wimbledon, 3 Roland Garros and now 4 US Open. The winning gap increases between Rafael Nadal (22) and Roger Federer (20). A little further behind are Pete Sampras (14), Bjorn Borg (11), Ivan Lendl (8) and Jimmy Connors (8).
Novak hoists the 🏆 once again in New York! pic.twitter.com/LmZGzxT4Tp
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 11, 2023
During the awards ceremony, Djokovic, who wore a Kobe Bryant jersey, thanked his family for the constant support, noting that they had to put many things aside for him to follow his passion for tennis. He also took the opportunity to highlight Medvedev's career, predicting that he has many big tournaments to win in his career. He even praised him as the most authentic personality on the circuit, slipping a "never change".
By not competing in 2022, the Serbian tennis player took advantage of Carlos Alcaráz's elimination in the semifinals and will be the world number 1 tennis player again next Monday.
Breaking down 24 titles. 😳 pic.twitter.com/gQmoNl5mCw
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 10, 2023
Djokovic's path at the US Open
Djokovic began his victory journey against Bernabé Zapata Miralles, whom he defeated in three sets. The toughest match was found in the third round against compatriot Laslo Djere. Indeed, he was the only one who managed to partially beat the champion, two sets in this case.
Artur Ashe Stadium witnessed a five-set battle, with Djokovic starting out by losing but coming back 4-6, 4-6, 6-1, 6-1, 6-3. In the quarterfinals, the Serb competed against the Croatian Borna Gojo, a tennis player who was also defeated in three sets. Taylor Fritz suffered the same fate in the quarterfinals, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4.
Novak hits 24 and pays tribute to the late Kobe Bryant 💙 pic.twitter.com/rDXVUvYe1Z
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 10, 2023
During the semifinals, Djokovic, in the surprise of the tournament, faced off with Ben Shelton, whom he also eliminated in consecutive sets, 6-3, 6-2 and 7-6. At the end of the match, he robbed Shelton of the celebration, pretending to take a phone call. Nole added a little spice and was encouraged to hang up that call.
Of course, he was crowned champion against Medvedev in a final that lasted a little more than three hours. Now, his record in the United States is 4 titles and seven final losses.
