US Open: Novak Djokovic loses to Daniil Medvedev in New York

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Medvedev avoided becoming the sixth men’s player to lose his first three Grand Slam finals

Russia’s Daniil Medvedev won his first Grand Slam title by smashing Novak Djokovic’s hopes of completing a grand slam schedule in the US Open final by one.

Medvedev, the 25-year-old second seed, has lost two previous Grand Slam finals, but he composed by winning 6-4 6-4 6-4.

World number one Djokovic has already won the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon this year.

The 34-year-old Serbian was also chasing a record 21st Grand Slam men’s title.

The win would have put him ahead of rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the battle to finish with the most Grand Slams, but these were the Grand Slams that Djokovic said would be the “greatest achievement” of his career.

Djokovic was trying to become the sixth player to win a calendar tournament and the first man to do so since Rod Laver in 1969.

Perhaps due to the weight of history, Djokovic looked faint all the time as he made a slew of uncharacteristic mistakes and also eventually cried.

He also seemed to lack his usual physical abilities.

Placing these factors as the only reasons for Medvedev’s success would be completely wrong.

The Russian played smart and confident, pulling off his opponent’s mistakes with a powerful serve, dominating his opponent from the baseline, and finishing points with precise winners, as he avenged a back-to-back defeat to Djokovic in the Australian Open final in February.

There was a slight wobble as he tried to win the title – three double faults helped Djokovic take a 5-3 break – before Medvedev set himself up to win his third championship point.

After sharing a warm hug with Djokovic at the net, Medvedev broke out with a wide smile before sitting in his chair to finally consider winning his long-threatened first Grand Slam title.

“I want to thank my team, those who are here and watching. My parents, my family, my sisters. Some of my friends are here too,” said Medvedev, who lost only one set in the tournament.

“Thank you guys because it is not an easy journey to win the Grand Slam. I am really grateful to you for helping me through this journey.”

Addressing Medvedev, Djokovic said: “If there’s anyone worthy of a Grand Slam title now, it’s you. Well done. There will be more titles, I’m sure.”

Daniil Medvedev is the second first-time men’s Grand Slam champion since 2014, after Dominic Thiem won in New York last year.

Two years ago, Medvedev cut a sentimental personality after the men’s singles final in New York.

This was Russia’s first Grand Slam final, and after an exhilarating two-set showdown, he eventually lost an epic five-set match to Nadal.

The Russian was fascinated by a video montage on Ashe TV showing all of Nadal’s accomplishments – then standing at 19 Grand Slam titles – who later said he wanted to use that as additional inspiration in his quest to win the sport’s biggest trophies.

Finally achieved it.

In Melbourne on his second attempt, Medvedev was overwhelmed by intense pressure from Djokovic and his match was disrupted.

This time, it was a complete role reversal.

Medvedev broke in the first half of the match and while Djokovic settled into his matches in the rest of the set, the problem was that he had no effect on the Russian’s serve.

Firing them with speed and accuracy meant that even the best return in the men’s game didn’t have the answers.

Then, Medvedev revealed his celebration – falling in front of the crowd and sticking his tongue out – inspired by the FIFA soccer video game. “Only legends understand what I did, I left L2+,” he said.

Medvedev only allowed Djokovic to win three points in the first set, winning 100% of his first serve points as Djokovic only made 27% of his returns.

Djokovic had lost the first set in his previous four matches – including defeating German fourth seed Alexander Zverev and Italian sixth seed Matteo Berrettini – and had five breaks early in the second set.

But he was unable to embrace either of them when Medvedev rallied to hold him both times, leaving Djokovic slapping his thighs in annoyance.

The Russian broke for 3-2 – enough to take the second set – and then took a 4-0 lead in the third before winning after a brief wobbly.

After producing double faults in his first two championship points, Medvedev prepared himself to land the first serve on the third.

Djokovic was unable to make it back over the net and world number two Medvedev fell to court in a celebration inspired by the FIFA video game.

‘I’ve never felt this in New York before’ – Emotion overcame Djokovic

While missing out on the opportunity to create more history would be difficult for Djokovic, there was some comfort in the enthusiastic reception he received from a New York crowd who hasn’t always had the best relationships.

Arthur Ashe Stadium has been somewhat of a hostile venue for Djokovic over the years, especially in the 2015 final against Federer when fans cheered the Serbs.

After that, Djokovic said he was relieved when the match ended with all the mental and emotional burden that haunts the Grand Slam calendar.

From the start of the final against Medvedev, until the moment he walked off the field, the 20-times Grand Slam champion of Serbia was in great support.

After a comfortable 5-4 fix in the third set, the crowd chanted for more support for Djokovic and this led to him becoming emotional in his chair.

At first he laughed and then his heart beat as the noise rose. This resulted in a teary-eyed Djokovic behind the towel in his chair and still crying as he stood behind the baseline at the start of the next match.

After that, he told the crowd while also shining: “Even though I didn’t win the match, I am the happiest man alive because you made me so special on the court.

“You guys touched my soul. I’ve never felt this way in New York. Thank you for your support. I love you.”

Analytics

BBC tennis correspondent Russell Fuller

Novak Djokovic said earlier in the week that he now had a better idea of ​​how Serena Williams felt when she faltered in two matches for the 2015 Grand Slam.

The emotional demands of the challenge, the exhaustion of the previous rounds and months, and the awesomeness of Daniil Medvedev proved too much in the end.

But in the defeat, there was solace – taking the Serbs belatedly in their hearts.

Despite shattering two championship points with double fouls, Medvedev was hardly turbulent all week.

He’s won more matches and titles on hard courts than any other ATP player in recent years, but this will be the most important.

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