2023-09-11 05:16:32
This entry into the tennis history books is a significant one: Novak Djokovic triumphs at the US Open and closes in on record holder Margaret Court with his 24th title.
A triumph for the history books, a title for eternity: Novak Djokovic won the US Open in New York and equaled a 50-year-old record under the eyes of numerous pop and film stars. The insatiable Serb defeated Russian Daniil Medvedev 6:3, 7:6 (7:5), 6:3 in the final and celebrated his 24th Grand Slam victory. Djokovic thus caught up with the Australian Margaret Court, who had held this record alone since 1973.
After 3:17 hours, Djokovic converted his first match point and took his daughter Tara in his arms. His path then led him to his wife Jelena and his parents Srdjan and Dijana. During this historic success he reached his physical limits, but dominated Medvedev with all his experience. Djokovic reached a Grand Slam final for the 36th time: a lonely record.
Australia, Paris, New York: Djokovic won three of the four biggest tennis tournaments in the world this year. All he was missing from the calendar Grand Slam, this historic task in professional tennis, was winning the final at Wimbledon. Djokovic had already come close to this rare feat, which was last achieved by Rod Laver in 1969: in 2021, Medvedev prevented the winning streak from being completed in New York.
Now the revenge in the style of a demonstration of power: From the first rally, Djokovic left no doubt about his irrepressible will to win. He was, above all, tactically and mentally superior to Medvedev, who was nine years younger and had dethroned defending champion Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) in the semifinals. At 36, Djokovic deservedly became the oldest US Open champion in professional tennis.
And thus underpinned his exceptional position, which is now reflected again in the world rankings: Djokovic replaces Alcaraz in first place and extends his record to 390 weeks at the top. He collected three million dollars for the victory, increasing his career prize money to 175 million dollars – of course also a superlative.
The almost 25,000 tennis fans in the gigantic Arthur Ashe Stadium, including stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Nicole Kidman and Justin Timberlake, were expecting a thriller. After all, Medvedev had disenchanted Alcaraz and reminded the US audience of his three-set win in 2021. This time, however, Djokovic found solutions, even if Medvedev looked fresher and won the long rallies.
At sportdeutschland.tv, Boris Becker was impressed by Djokovic’s serve-and-volley qualities and worried about the fitness of his former protégé. “He’s really tired today, the net attacks speak volumes,” said Becker. Djokovic actually staggered, fended off a set point and saved himself in the tiebreak – one of his many special disciplines.
Son Stefan shifted restlessly in his chair in the box, but dad had a plan and support from the fans. After two and a half hours, Djokovic was 2-0 sets ahead and Medvedev called the physiotherapist. The fight under the closed roof also left its mark on the younger challenger. Djokovic didn’t let himself be taken away from the lead.
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