Novak Djokovic received a record-equalling twenty fourth Grand Slam singles title by outlasting Daniil Medvedev in a punishing US Open last in New York.
The 36-year-old Serb received 6-3 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 however the straight-set scoreline doesn’t inform how deep he needed to dig.
A cushty opening set was adopted by a brutal second which lasted one hour and 44 minutes.
After the pair exchanged breaks early within the third, Djokovic took management to degree Margaret Courtroom’s 50-year file.
“It clearly means the world to me,” mentioned Djokovic on profitable his twenty fourth main.
“I am actually residing my childhood dream to compete on the highest degree on this sport, which has given me and my household a lot from troublesome circumstances.
“I by no means thought I might be right here however the final couple of years I believed I had a shot at historical past. Why not seize it when it’s offered?”
Second seed Djokovic had seemed bodily troubled, explicit in that gruelling second set, however confirmed all of the hallmarks of his greatness to win a fourth US Open title.
Djokovic, who surpassed Rafael Nadal’s earlier file tally of twenty-two males’s main titles earlier this 12 months, has matched Australia’s Courtroom on the second try after shedding the Wimbledon last in July.
He has received three of the 4 Grand Slam titles in 2023, changing into the primary man to attain this feat on 4 events.
Now the incoming world primary has the prospect to surpass Courtroom at January’s Australian Open – the place he has already received a file 10 titles.
It felt becoming Djokovic arrange championship level by profitable one other prolonged rally and, after being made to attend to serve by shouts from the group, sealed victory when Medvedev hit a forehand into the online.
After shaking palms along with his opponent, Djokovic sobbed as he knelt on the court docket earlier than selecting out his daughter from the group.
Additional tears adopted as he went to rejoice along with his nearest and dearest, which included dad and mom Srdjan and Dijana, spouse Jelena, son Stefan – and Hollywood actor Matthew McConaughey.
Djokovic additionally pulled on a T-shirt which paid tribute to NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his pal who was killed in a helicopter crash in 2020 and wore 24 in his taking part in days.
Extra to observe.
