Medvedev defeats Djokovic to take US Open
New York, US, Sep 12 (EFE).- Russian second seed Daniil Medvedev on Sunday became the new US Open champion, beating Serbian Novac Djokovic in the final 6-4, 6-4 to win his first Grand Slam title.
The victory allowed 25-year-old Medvedev to avenge the last Australian Open final, which he lost to Djokovic, and ended the Serbian’s hopes of completing a calendar sweep of the majors.
“I have never said this to anybody, but I will say to you, for me, you are the greatest tennis player in history,” Medvedev told his opponent in his post-match interview.
Medvedev, playing his second US Open final in three years after losing in 2019 to Nadal, also became the first Russian to win the title at Flushing Meadows.
His match against Djokovic, 34, lasted two hours and 15 minutes, with 38 winners for 31 unforced errors, in addition to 16 aces and nine double faults.
Djokovic landed 27 winners for 38 unforced errors, in addition to hitting six aces and three double faults.
The new US Open champion also took home $2.5 million in prize money, while the number one Serbian tennis player received $1.25 million.
Djokovic was chasing a record 21 Grand Slam titles, but now remains tied with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal with 20.
There had been huge backing for him from the roaring crowd, which caused him to become emotional during the match and afterwards.
“I have never felt like this in New York. I have never felt like this. I love you guys. Thank you so much for your support. I love you and I will see you soon. Thank you,” Djokovic told the crowd on court.
“I would like to say that tonight, even though I have not won the match, my heart is filled with joy and I am the happiest man alive because you guys made me feel very specia.” EFE
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