Novak Djokovic– Medvedev surprises Novak Djokovic in US Open final
He badly needed one more victory in the US Open final. But Novak Djokovic was stopped by Daniil Medvedev in his bid for the first Grand Slam of a calendar year in men’s tennis since 1969.
Djokovic not at his best
Medvedev won 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 for his first major title. He was far from at his best, he was not happy with his footwork and there were 38 unforced errors. No.2 Medvedev, meanwhile, played a style of tennis very similar to that of the Serbian.
Missed historical milestones
Djokovic missed two historic milestones – the Grand Slam of the calendar year and a record 21st career title. Instead, he now remains tied with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in 20 Grand Slam titles.
Rod Laver’s achievement
The last man to have completed a true Grand Slam by all four majors in a single season remains Rod Laver, who did so twice in 1962 and 1969. The last woman to accomplish the feat was Steffi Graf in 1988.
When the frustration showed Djokovic let his emotions show.
He destroyed his racket by hitting it three times against the court after a point, drawing a violation of the code. He hit his racquet against his thigh several times after missing break points. One late game, he covered his face with a towel to hide his tears
“The greatest tennis player in history”
During the presentation, Djokovic, 34, said he felt “relieved” that the whole build-up was finally over. The man who stopped him by two big steps told him: ‘To me, you are the greatest tennis player in history.’
