Novak Djokovic came through a gruelling second set to beat Daniil Medvedev 6-3 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 in the US Open final and claim a 24th grand slam title on Sunday night.
The historic triumph moves Djokovic level with Margaret Court at the top of the all-time list of singles major winners after making it three slams out of four in 2023. Djokovic also becomes the oldest US Open champion of the Open Era but the 36-year-old shows no sign of slowing down. He typically overcame suggestions of physical wear and tear in a gargantuan second set that clocked 1 hour and 44 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
After the match, an emotional Djokovic entered the stands to embrace family and friends before paying tribute to the late Kobe Bryant, who also famously wore 24 during his NBA career. Medvedev won in straight sets when these players met in the Flushing Meadows showpiece two years ago but he suffered a nightmare start when his first service game was broken to love.
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Two defensive masters engaged in several absorbing baseline duels but Djokovic’s willingness to be more aggressive was rewarded, an approach that extended to frequently serve-volleying to exploit Medvedev’s stance to receive deep behind the baseline. The world No.3, who beat Djokovic’s Wimbledon conqueror Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals, was hanging on during the early stages of the second set before his attempts to take the initiative belatedly brought a ragged look to Djokovic’s play.
Medvedev received treatment for a shoulder problem after going 2-0 down and the exertions appeared to have taken a toll on both men as breaks were exchanged in three consecutive games. Once again, Djokovic found an extra gear to string together 10 points in a row. The gutsy, tireless Medvedev forced his inimitable foe to serve out for glory and a once-unimaginable 24th slam triumph that brought tears of joy.