In the U.S. Open final on Sunday night, Novak Djokovic secured his 24th Grand Slam title, overpowering Daniil Medvedev with scores of 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-3. Despite the straight-set score, the competition between the two athletes was intense and hard-fought.
Djokovic, hailing from Serbia and aged 36, has surpassed Serena Williams by achieving one more major singles title, setting a record in the Open era in 1968. While Margaret Court has the same titles, 13 were acquired before the Open era, when professionals were allowed in the Grand Slam tournaments.
A Nod to a Legend: Djokovic’s Tribute to Kobe Bryant
To honour the late basketball great Kobe Bryant, Djokovic wore a shirt with “24” and “Mamba Forever” inscribed, representing Bryant’s jersey number during his time in the NBA. He topped this tribute with a white jacket bearing the significant number prominently on the chest.
At certain points during the match, particularly during the strenuous second set that lasted for almost two hours, Djokovic seemed on the verge of faltering. His resilience was tested as he showed signs of fatigue, occasionally leaning on his racket for support or pausing to stretch his limbs.
This victory, especially against Medvedev, who thwarted his Grand Slam bid in 2021, crowned Djokovic the oldest U.S. Open champion in the Open era. The win adds to his remarkable record, including ten Australian Open titles, seven from Wimbledon, and three from the French Open, further cementing his position atop the men’s Slam list.
During the trophy ceremony, a light-hearted Medvedev jested, “Novak, I have to ask, what are you still doing here?”
A Season of Triumphs and a Sole Setback
Despite his triumphant season, Djokovic did experience a setback, suffering a defeat against Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final in July. However, this sole loss didn’t halt his upward trajectory. On Monday, he is slated to reclaim the top spot in the rankings, surpassing the current defending champion at Flushing Meadows, Alcaraz, who the third-ranked Medvedev ousted.
As the final commenced on Sunday, with the Arthur Ashe Stadium’s retractable roof closed anticipating rain, Djokovic exhibited no signs of pressure or nerves. He displayed impeccable form and control over his game, seizing 12 of the initial 16 points. His prowess was evident in his perfect ace placements and performance during longer exchanges.
Contrastingly, Medvedev seemed somewhat uneasy, with his gameplay breaking down frequently, notably during the initial set, which saw him commit several double faults. Despite a few faltering moments, Djokovic maintained a rhythm akin to a metronome, skillfully predicting Medvedev’s moves and responding with agility and precision, showcasing his characteristic style of play.
