Daniil Medvedev with the trophy / Photo: Collected
Novak Djokovic’s bid for a record 21st major title that would have completed the calendar-year Grand Slam collapsed at the final hurdle in a stunning 6-4 6-4 6-4 defeat by Russian Daniil Medvedev in the U.S. Open final on Sunday.
Medvedev, playing in his third major final, at last, hoisted a Grand Slam trophy while avenging a straight-sets defeat by Djokovic earlier this year in the Australian Open final.
The Serb was trying to become the first man in over a half-century to win all four majors (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, U.S. Open) in the same year.
For the fifth consecutive match, Djokovic found himself in an early hole after dropping the first set. But this time there would be no way out as the rampaging Russian kept up the pressure with a barrage of aces while allowing Djokovic a single break.
Such was Medvedev’s domination that the only tiny bit of drama came late in the third set when the Russian was suddenly hit by a bout of nerves trying to close out the match.
Serving at 5-2 Medvedev double-faulted on match point, allowing Djokovic to secure his one and only break. After Djokovic held serve to trim the deficit to 5-4 Medvedev again had match point and again double-faulted.
But the 25-year-old did not squander a third chance, gathering himself to clinch the title on his third attempt.
Djokovic arrived on Arthur Ashe Stadium court with the weight of history on his shoulders.
The Serb had said he would treat the final as if it were the last match of his career but never came close to his best.
Medvedev was also keenly aware there was a line in the history books for him as well if he were the player to deny Djokovic the coveted calendar-year Grand Slam.
ARR
