Novak Djokovic makes history, wins 24th Grand Slam title at US Open 2023 after defeating Daniil Medvedev

It was a day of triumph for Novak Djokovic at the illustrious Flushing Meadows as he clinched his fourth US Open title. The Serbian tennis ace outperformed a determined Daniil Medvedev in a riveting final match ending with a scoreline of 6-3, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3 on Sunday, September 10. After a strenuous battle of three hours and 16 minutes, Djokovic seized his 24th Grand Slam singles title in what marked his 36th career final. 

With this win, he equals the legendary Margaret Court’s record for the most major singles titles. The victory also bestowed upon him the honor of being the oldest Grand Slam singles champion in the Open Era. 

Stepping into his 10th US Open final, Djokovic swiftly took control of the game, securing an early break and a 3-0 lead in the first set. The seasoned player then went on to wrap up the set in just 48 minutes. Medvedev showcased resilience at 2-5, saving a break and set point to keep his hopes alive. However, an unfortunate unforced error by Medvedev concluded the set. 

At this juncture, Djokovic seemed to be in a favorable position. Over the past 30 years, only thrice has a player lost the opening set and still managed to clinch the men’s singles final. Djokovic himself was on the receiving end of such a scenario in 2016 against Stan Wawrinka. Despite losing the first set, Medvedev might have still fancied his chances. 

THE RISE OF Novak DJOKOVIC

As the second set unfolded, both players held their serves, making it 3-3. A breath-taking 31-shot rally ensued, leaving Djokovic lying on the ground, possibly fatigued. Amidst this intense battle, the 27-year-old Medvedev averted the risk of conceding a break and held his serve. 

Signs of exhaustion began to show in Djokovic’s play as he made four double faults in the set. However, he managed to save a set point at 5-6, pushing the game towards a tie-break. In 2023, Djokovic had an impressive record of 25 tie-break wins against only five losses. 

He increased his tally to 26, solidifying his position as one of the best players in the game, even at the age of 36. The second set, lasting for an hour and 44 minutes, was the longest in this year’s US Open. 

DJOKOVIC OVERCOMES MEDVEDEV

Djokovic managed to earn his second service break of the match and surged ahead with a 3-1 lead in the third set. This was a significant boost for him after his struggles in the second set. Just when it seemed like Djokovic was about to seize the set, match, and championship, Medvedev retaliated brilliantly, earning the break back. 

Unfazed, Djokovic demonstrated his mettle with another service break, shifting the pressure back onto Medvedev for the second time in the set. He then held his serve, ensuring that Medvedev had to serve to stay in the match. 

To keep his chances alive, Medvedev needed to earn a break of serve. At a critical juncture of 3-5, 30-30, he had an opportunity, but Djokovic denied him the break, emerging victorious in this nail-biting thriller. 

What makes Djokovic’s 24th Grand Slam win so special

• Firstly, Djokovic has outpaced legends Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Nadal has won 22 Grand Slam titles, and Federer has 20 Grand Slam titles
• Secondly, he remains the only player in the Open Era to have won each of the four Grand Slams at least twice.
• Lastly, with his victory at the US Open, Djokovic has now won three Grand Slam titles in a single year – a feat last achieved by Rod Laver in 1969

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