Novak Djokovic embraced the weight of history as he triumphed over Daniil Medvedev in the men’s singles final of the 2023 US Open on Sunday. Securing a 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3 victory, the 36-year-old claimed his 24th Grand Slam singles title, drawing level with Margaret Court’s legendary record and solidifying his claim to the title of greatest tennis player of all time.
Reflecting on his monumental achievement during the trophy ceremony, Djokovic expressed his awe, saying, “To make history in this sport is truly remarkable and special. I never envisioned myself discussing 24 Slams. The last couple of years, I felt I had a shot at history, and why not seize it when the opportunity arises?”
In a match filled with twists and turns, Djokovic oscillated between clinical play and moments of resilience, battling fatigue to stave off a set point in a grueling 104-minute second set. Despite facing pressure from Medvedev, Djokovic showcased his resilience, particularly in a tense tiebreak where he managed to secure crucial points, turning the tide in his favor.
The third set saw Djokovic emerge rejuvenated, fueled by his desire for victory. Breaking in consecutive return games, he seized control of the match and secured his fourth US Open crown shortly thereafter. Although Medvedev presented formidable resistance with his baseline prowess, Djokovic adeptly navigated the challenges, redirecting his opponent’s attacks and exploiting openings to his advantage.
Despite physical challenges, including repeated stumbles and stretches between points, Djokovic matched Medvedev’s intensity, engaging in thrilling exchanges that electrified the Ashe crowd. Employing a varied strategy, Djokovic frequently approached the net to counter Medvedev’s deep positioning, resulting in an impressive success rate in serve-and-volley points and net play.
With this historic victory, Djokovic further cements his legacy in tennis history. Surpassing Serena Williams and tying Margaret Court at 24 Grand Slam titles, he also moves ahead of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Additionally, Djokovic becomes the first man to clinch three Grand Slam singles titles in a season four times, underscoring his enduring dominance in the sport. At 36, he becomes the oldest US Open men’s singles champion in the Open Era, boasting an impressive record of 12-3 in Grand Slam finals in his 30s.
In a satisfying turn of events, Djokovic avenges his previous defeat to Medvedev in the 2021 New York final, now leading their head-to-head encounters 10-5. This victory marks a significant milestone in Djokovic’s illustrious career, reaffirming his status as one of tennis’s all-time greats.
