Novak Djokovic secured his 24th Major crown on Sunday, beating Daniil Medvedev in the US Open final. At 36 years and three months, Novak became the oldest US Open champion, passing Ken Rosewall’s 1970 record by five months! Thus, Novak is the oldest champion at two Majors, hoping to add the Australian Open and Wimbledon to that list. Roger Federer was 36 years and five months old when he conquered the 2018 Australian Open, and Novak will move in front of him if he lifts his 11th trophy at Melbourne Park next year. Djokovic was the favorite in New York, and he proved that on the court. The Serb dropped two sets against Laslo Djere and overcame all the obstacles to secure another Major trophy and cement his GOAT status. Novak had to work hard against Daniil in the title clash, prevailing 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 in three hours and 16 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Djokovic kept the physical issues aside, battling hard and defending a set point in the encounter’s second part, drawing a massive boost from that and sealing the deal in the third. Novak served at only 54%, struggling to find the first serve and hitting six double faults. However, he faced only three break chances, losing serve once in the third set but recovering promptly to emerge at the top.
Novak Djokovic is the oldest US Open champion at 36 years and three months.
Novak claimed 21 points more than Daniil, landing 38 winners and 35 unforced errors and controlling his strokes beautifully against the rival who covered every inch of the court. Djokovic made a perfect start in his 36th Major final, breaking Medvedev at love in the second game and moving 3-0 in front. The Russian stayed within one break deficit with two fine holds before experiencing two set points at 2-5. Daniil denied them and prolonged the action before Novak wrapped up the opener with a hold at 15 at 5-3 after the rival’s backhand mistake. The second set lasted an hour and 45 minutes, going down to the wire and standing as one of the most extended ones of Novak’s career. Medvedev pushed Djokovic to the limits, wasting his chance and falling two sets to love behind. Novak served perfectly in the early stage, and the set could have reached two hours without that!
World no. 2 missed a break chance at 3-3 and squandered game points in the next one, experiencing the first break chance of the match. Djokovic denied it with a half-volley winner, bringing the game home after four deuces and locking the result at 4-4. There were four deuces on Novak’s serve in the 12th game while serve served to stay in the set, offering Daniil a set point. Djokovic denied it with a valiant net rushing and a volley winner, introducing a tie break and giving everything to prevail. Daniil led 3-1 before Novak climbed back, stealing the breaker 7-5 after the rival’s backhand error, gaining a massive confidence boost after two and a half hours. Djokovic served well at the start of the third set, securing a break in game four and opening a 3-1 advantage after Medvedev’s wayward backhand. The Russian pulled it back in the next one, fighting like a lion and seeking a notable comeback. Instead, Novak broke him for the second straight time in the sixth game, opening a 4-2 gap and looking good to seal the deal from there. Djokovic served for his 24th Major crown in game nine and held after Medvedev’s loose forehand, celebrating another magical moment of his glorious career.