US Open final 2023 LIVE: Novak Djokovic v Daniil Medvedev result and reaction after record 24th grand slam
The 36-year-old Djokovic won his 24th major title against Medvedev to tie the all-time record with Margaret Court
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Your support makes all the difference.Novak Djokovic battled past Daniil Medvedev 6-3 7-6(5) 6-3 and into the tennis history books on Sunday, winning the U.S. Open to equal Margaret Court’s record haul of 24 Grand Slams.
The victory, his fourth in 10 Flushing Meadows finals, capped another remarkable Grand Slam campaign for Djokovic with wins at the Australian, French and U.S. Opens and a return to the top of the world rankings when they are updated on Monday. The 36-year-old Serb becomes the oldest U.S. Open men’s winner in the Open Era and the first to win three Grand Slam events in a season for the fourth time. The win was also measure of revenge for Djokovic.
The second seed walked out on to a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday and stared across the net at Medvedev the man once again standing between him and history just as he had two years ago. The last time the two clashed at the U.S. Open was in the 2021 final, when the Russian captured his only major and denied the Serb a rare calendar Grand Slam. While Djokovic and Medvedev are intriguing figures, neither has been fully embraced by the New York crowds.
Certainly there was little of the electricity that crackled through Arthur Ashe during the women’s final on Saturday, with no clear support for either player from an attentive but subdued audience. As expected in a contest featuring the sport’s two premier hardcourt players, almost every point was contested with long rallies as both men pounded away at each other from the baseline. Djokovic came out playing with purpose and applied pressure right away breaking the third seed at the first opportunity on way to a 3-0 lead.
That would be the only break Djokovic would need against a surprisingly flat Medvedev who could not manufacture a single break chance in the first set. During a marathon one hour and 44 minute, lung-bursting second set Medvedev would find life forcing a tiring Djokovic into long grinding point, after grinding point. But the tireless Russian’s hard work would pay no dividends unable to convert any of his few break chances including one at 6-5 that would have given him the set.
Medvedev charged in front 3-1 of the tie-break but again could not land the knockout blow as Djokovic came off the ropes to take it 7-5 and a 2-0 lead. If there is one thing Djokovic possesses it is a killer instinct and the Serb wasted no time striking breaking Medvedev to go up 3-1 in the third. A defiant Medvedev answered with his first and only break of the match but it was not enough with Djokovic hitting right back with another break then holding serve the rest of way to clinch the title.
Relive all the action from the US Open men’s final and reaction as Novak Djokovic defeats Daniil Medvedev.
US Open final: Djokovic 5-5* Medvedev (6-3)
And now a row with his box, some choice words. But the focus is incredible, despite evidently being upset with something, Djokovic flicks the switch and dispatches the next point to move back to 30-30.
And Djokovic is bending down and stretching a little after losing that point, Medvedev rushed to the net and held his nerve. Game point.
US Open final: Djokovic 5-5* Medvedev (6-3)
A hop and a skip, Medvedev plants the backhand deep towards Djokovic’s backhand side, then rushes to the net, the volley is perfectly fine.
But Djokovic hammers his own backhand through the Russian’s defence, which has to be demoralising after executing a smart change-up to his strategy.
Djokovic squanders a game point after Medvedev expertly fetches a pair of smart backhands. No game is seemingly save despite two to three game or break points for these guys.
GAME! Djokovic is now talking to the crowd again, a set lasting an hour and 11 minutes so far. 5-5.
US Open final: Djokovic *4-5 Medvedev (6-3)
Djokovic, understandably, off to a slow start to start this game, after his heroics in the last game. His box look to do a little in-game coaching.
Medvedev races to 40-0 though, just what is needed after squandering a glorious chance to break. This would move him to within a game of the set.
And he does, that was two minutes 23 seconds. The game before? 12 minutes and 12 seconds.
US Open final: Djokovic 4-4* Medvedev (6-3)
Break point coming up for Medvedev...
A moan from Djokovic after a late let call from the umpire. Then the smash from Medvedev, is this his moment?
NO! An astonishing shot from Djokovic after Medvedev returns down the line, but the Serbian picks it up on the half-volley and clips it over the net across court.
He lauds it too, demanding applause from the crowd. Sublime.
And another! This time mid-court, it’s a backhand sliced drop shot that dies immediately after the first bounce. It’s cruel, Medvedev meeting Djokovic’s best at the worst possible time. HOLD! Matthew McConaughey is on his feet.
US Open final: Djokovic *3-4 Medvedev (6-3)
Djokovic suddenly showing visible signs of fatigue and frustration as Medvedev, leading 4-3, brings him to deuce.
That was an 88mph second serve, which caught Medvedev by surprise.
But now a double fault, two apiece in this set and 5-2 to Medvedev overall. This is out of character and if Djokovic can hold, it would be remarkable, a gift for Medvedev as the Serbian slips, netting to go to deuce three.
US Open final: Djokovic 3-3* Medvedev (6-3)
Now it’s Medvedev’s turn to win an epic rally! Djokovic is on his back, he can’t believe it after dumping a backhand into the net.
Absolutely exhausting tennis this, and Djokovic collapsing is relatable with most of the crowd. Now game point again for the Russian, but Djokovic buries a backhand winner, and it’s deuce again!
US Open final: Djokovic 3-3* Medvedev (6-3)
The Medvedev serve has been on point in the second set, which is setting up some tasty rallies.
Djokovic with the most majestic, sliced backhand drop shot. It’s perfection!
Now Djokovic has won 10/11 points when the rally goes over nine shots. That’s the formula then.
We’re at deuce, Medvedev wants a break, wiping his brow. He finds the first serve, but here we go again, deep into the rally.
And it’s long! A sloppy backhand, whipped long from Medvedev. Break point.
US Open final: Djokovic *2-3 Medvedev (6-3)
One hour and 19 minutes into this contest, Djokovic finding some resistance in Medvedev now after a rocky start.
The Russian is 3-2 up.
US Open final: Djokovic *1-2 Medvedev (6-3)
Goran Ivanisevic looking on without much emotion, Djokovic in control but Medvedev starting to find his feet.
A mesmerising rally brings the crowd to its feet, 30-0 with the players exchanging drop shots at the end before the 27th stroke was Djokovic’s lob.
US Open final: Djokovic *1-2 Medvedev (6-3)
Now this is a crucial moment in the match, 30-30, on Medvedev’s serve.
Djokovic’s variety, slicing at different speeds, is causing problems.
But that’s a big serve from the Russian to move to break point. And a hold, impressive composure.
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