CNN
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Novak Djokovic gained the US Open on Sunday, defeating Daniil Medvedev 6-3 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 within the males’s ultimate to increase his document grand slam singles titles to 24.
The world No. 2 additional cemented himself as one of many best tennis gamers ever – with Sunday’s win, he matches Margaret Courtroom’s document for many all-time grand slam titles.
In a rematch of the 2021 US Open ultimate, the Serbian avenged his loss to No. 3 seed Medvedev at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York to finish his triumphant return to the USA.
“It clearly means the world to me,” Djokovic mentioned after the match. “I’m actually residing my childhood dream to compete on the highest stage within the sport that has given me and my household a lot.”
Enjoying in entrance of a who’s who crowd, Djokovic was in his normal dominant type within the first set, by no means dealing with a break level, whereas hitting 12 winners in 9 video games. Coming into Sunday’s ultimate, Djokovic was 72-1 all-time on the US Open when successful the primary set, together with his solely loss coming to Stan Wawrinka within the 2016 ultimate.
The second set proved to be extra aggressive, as Djokovic and Medvedev exchanged video games in a nail-biting forwards and backwards, culminating within the Serb’s 7-5 tiebreak victory after an hour and 45 minutes.
From there, with the momentum in his favor and a fourth US Open title a set away, Djokovic cruised to victory, needing just one championship level to seal the historic title.
With the victory, the 36-year-old turns into oldest man to win the US Open singles title within the Open period and the primary man to win three grand slam titles in a season for the fourth time – beforehand doing so in 2011, 2015 and 2021.
Djokovic additionally extends his lead over Spaniard Rafael Nadal (22) and Switzerland’s Roger Federer (20) for many males’s singles titles of all time.
“To make historical past of this sport is actually outstanding and particular in each potential and each potential which means of the phrase particular,” Djokovic mentioned.
Sitting within the entrance row through the recreation was Djokovic’s six-year daughter, he mentioned throughout a information convention after the match, sharing with reporters that she would smile at him when he wanted her vitality most.
It was essential to him that his daughter – in addition to his nine-year-old son – acquired to expertise their father win once they have been sufficiently old to grasp the victory, he mentioned.
And as for what retains him going, Djokovic mentioned: “I don’t wish to depart the game if I’m nonetheless taking part in on the high.”
After his win, an emotional Djokovic momentarily dropped to his palms and knees earlier than strolling towards his household within the stands to have a good time.
When he returned to the court docket, Djokovic honored the late NBA celebrity Kobe Bryant by turning into a blue shirt bearing a photograph of himself and the Lakers legend with the phrases “Mamba Endlessly” emblazoned on the entrance, and the quantity on the again. Bryant wore the quantity 24 within the second half of his skilled basketball profession.
“I assumed it may very well be a pleasant symbolic factor to acknowledge him,” mentioned Djokovic, who thought-about Bryant a detailed buddy.
“We chatted so much concerning the winner’s mentality once I was scuffling with the harm and making an attempt to make my comeback, work my method again to the highest of the sport,” Djokovic mentioned of his relationship with Bryant.
“He was one of many those that I depend on essentially the most. He was at all times there for any form of counsel, recommendation, any form of assist in essentially the most pleasant method.”
At each grand slam this 12 months, Djokovic had a chance to make historical past.
He drew stage with Rafael Nadal’s 22 grand slam titles on the Australian Open, pulled clear with a males’s document 23 grand slam titles on the French Open and was defeated by Carlos Alcaraz within the Wimbledon ultimate.
The Serb could have a chance to go Courtroom and etch his identify because the all-time winningest participant on the Australian Open in January 2024.
