Medvedev denies Djokovic to claim maiden Grand Slam title in New York
The stage was set for Novak Djokovic to make history on Sunday, but Russia’s Daniil Medvedev rewrote the script and avenged his Australian Open loss at the start of the year to claim his first major title with an emphatic straight-sets victory 6-4 6-4 6-4.
The Russian needed just two hours and 15 minutes to overcome the world No. 1 and deny the Serbian not only the chance to move ahead of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for most Grand Slam titles, but also to become just the second man in the Open Era to win all four majors in the same year.
Medvedev, who joked that he didn’t have time to buy his wife a third anniversary present, paid tribute to his opponent: “I want to say sorry. We all know what [Novak] was going for today. I’ve never said this before, but for me you are the greatest tennis player in history.”
Djokovic, who looked out of sorts throughout the match, made an uncharacteristic 38 unforced errors compared with 27 winners. But that shouldn’t take anything away from what was a scintillating performance from the 25-year-old Russian.
Medvedev made his intentions clear in the opening game of the match, coming back from 40-15 down to break Djokovic before putting on a serving clinic in the first set to close it out 6-4.
The Russian’s serve deserted him at the start of the next set, but he roared back from 0-40 down in his opening service game to level the score at 1-1 and then proceeded to withstand more pressure from his opponent in the fourth game, saving a further two break points for 2-2.
The momentum shifted when Medvedev took his second break point opportunity to move 3-2 up. Djokovic couldn’t hide his frustration as he smashed his racket into the court, and after an hour-and-a-half it was the Russian who closed out the second set 6-4.
With two further breaks of serve at the start of the third set, the writing looked to be on the wall for Djokovic, but his Russian opponent showed signs of nerves when he double faulted on match point at 5-2 up in the third.
The Arthur Ashe crowd did its best to gee up the world No. 1 at the next change of ends, and Djokovic could be seen wiping tears from his eyes in response to the adulation. Ultimately it was Medvedev’s night as he battled the boos to bring up a further two match points.
After another double fault, Medvedev powered down a big first serve, which Djokovic was unable to return, and the world No. 2 became just the third Russian man to win a Grand Slam singles title.
An emotional Djokovic said after the match: “I would like to say that tonight, even though that I have not won the match, my heart is filled with joy because you guys made me feel very special.
“You guys touched my soul. I never felt like this in New York, I love you and I’ll see you soon.”