Novak Djokovic Makes History At The US Open

History was made at the US Open as Novak Djokovic collected his 24th Grand Slam Title, defeating Daniil Medvedev in straight sets 63 76 63 in the Men’s Final on Sunday.

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Novak Djokovic Wins 24th Grand Slam Title #usopen @FP_Coverage pic.twitter.com/kpyuGpEpji

— Jim Biringer (@JimBiringer) September 11, 2023

Djokovic now ties Margret Court for the most Grand Slam Titles. In addition, Djokovic won his fourth US Open title and now has won three majors in a season for the fourth time. Not to mention, Djokovic is the oldest man to win the US Open at age 36.

Novak hits 2️⃣4️⃣

How it sounded on US Open radio 🎙 pic.twitter.com/BPwpFlp0fy

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 11, 2023

The crowd was behind Novak Djokovic for the first time in a long time. Maybe it’s because it was the first time Djokovic had played in the United States since 2021 because of the COVID-19 restrictions that have been finally lifted. Or the fact people wanted to see history. Whatever the case, it was a pro-Djokovic crowd.

Though most fans wanted to see Carlos Alcaraz in the final as well, however, the fans were still in for a treat as they saw a rematch from the 2021 US Open. Medvedev had defeated Alcaraz in four sets in the semifinals, while Djokovic beat American Ben Shelton.

From the first game, Djokovic brought that Mamba Mentality or his Will To Win as he was locked in by the words Ready… Play. Djokovic was hitting the ball so clean. If the opening point that lasted about 20 shots was any indication of what the fans were in store for, those in attendance were going to see a special performance from one of the greats.

Djokovic raced out early to a 3-0 lead, breaking Medvedev in the second game. Medvedev did not help his cause with a double fault and several unforced errors. Though he did find his game at the end of the first set, Djokovic was able to serve out the first set.

The second set was a lot tighter. Medvedev had to dig deep into his own service games. He had chances to break the Djokovic serve and even had a set point leading 6-5, but Djokovic found a way to force a tiebreak.

However, in that set, Medvedev was getting to Djokovic in several elongated rallies. But as in any Djokovic match, he bends but does not break. And that was the case in the second set tiebreak. Down an early mini-break, the master of the tiebreak roared back to win the second set. Djokovic has just dropped five tiebreaks this season.

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After some grueling points, where the players exchanged several incredible shots, running side to side, there was a moment when Djokovic fell to the ground and stayed there for a bit. However, the roar of the crowd got even louder for him. Especially when he was serving at 40-40 (deuce), you could hear the Novak, Novak, Novak chants go through Arthur Ashe Stadium.

And as the third set began, Novak Djokovic got the early break and you thought the rout was on. However, give credit to Medvedev to figure out a way to break back. But again the skill and smarts took over as Djokovic rebroke. Even though Medvedev was able to force Djokovic to serve out the third set, Novak only needed one Match point to lift his 24th Grand Slam title.

Novak hoists the 🏆 once again in New York! pic.twitter.com/LmZGzxT4Tp

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 11, 2023

Djokovic was able to use the serve and volley tactic to perfection, especially on the big points. It was a tactic Alcaraz tried, but Medvedev came up with great passing shots. In this match, those shots were not there. Medvedev never adjusted his return position, and Novak took advantage of it all night.

He won 20 of 22 points he played that way and 37 of 44 overall on the points when he went to the net, some with spectacular volleys or half-volleys at angles a pool shark would appreciate.

Not to mention, Medvedev did not come to the net much. Instead of attacking, he let balls come back, allowing Djokovic to get back into position for the next shot. This is a lesson learned for Medvedev as now he will need to adjust his return position.

Medvedev is 1-4 in his five trips to Grand Slam Finals. He has lost two to Djokovic and two to Nadal. This was Medvedev’s third trip to the US Open Final, his second runner-up trophy as he won in 2021.

After the match, Novak Djokovic paid tribute to Kobe Bryant wearing a Mamba Forever shirt with the Number 24 on the back. He shared what Kobe meant to him during his post-match speech.

Novak hits 24 and pays tribute to the late Kobe Bryant 💙 pic.twitter.com/rDXVUvYe1Z

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 10, 2023

“Kobe was a close friend; we chatted a lot about the winner’s mentality when I was struggling with injury and trying to make my comeback, work my way back to the top of the game,” Djokovic said. “He was one of the people that I relied on the most.”

“He was always there for any kind of counsel, advice, any kind of support in the most friendly way,” Djokovic continued. “So of course what happened a few years ago and him and his daughter passing hurt me deeply, and I thought 24 is the jersey he wore when he became a legend of the Lakers and world basketball, so I thought it could be a nice, symbolic thing to acknowledge him for all the things he’s done.”

On Saturday evening inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, 19-year-old Coc Gauff won her first Grand Slam title, defeating Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets. It capped off an incredible summer, where she won in Washington, Cincinnati, and now at the US Open. She joined Serena Williams as the second teenager to win the US Open.

It was an incredible scene Saturday night as it was Sunday. Gauff did not have her A game, maybe not her B game, but she found them. She was able to rally after dropping the third set for the third time in the tournament. The fact that new coach Brad Gilbert gave her a relaxed mind. Gauff is a perfectionist and has won by not playing her A game. Similar to Andre Agassi, a player Gilbert also coached to Grand Slam titles.

Sabalenka was looking to bookend the season with wins in Australia and New York. Unfortunately, the hometown crowd was behind Gauff.

It was a record-setting tournament capped off by a great championship weekend.