SERBIAN world number two Novak Djokovic has joined Margaret Court on a history-equalling 24 Grand Slams after defeating third seed Daniil Medvedev in a three-hour, 17-minute epic US Open final. Djokovic showed his class in a tough three-set contest, eventually taking home the chocolates, 6-3 7-6 6-3.

“To make the history of this sport is something truly remarkable and special,” Djokovic said post-match. “I never imagined that I would be here talking about 24 Slams. I never thought that would be the reality, but the last couple of years I felt I have a chance, I have a shot at history—and why not grab it if it’s presented.”

It was a clinical performance from Djokovic, who apart from some struggles in the second set, remained mostly in control against the red-hot Russian. Djokovic crushed his opponent in the first set, then came from 4-5 down in the second set tiebreaker to win the final three points and clinch a 2-0 lead on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

That gave him momentum into the third term, and once breaking the third seed, there was no turning back as he did enough to secure the victory off the back of an incredible first serve percentage and approach game.

Djokovic won a massive 81 per cent of his first serve points – as well as 54 per cent of his second serve points – compared to Medvedev’s 71 and 38 per cent. Only dropping seven of his 44 points at thr net, the Serbian also broke Medvedev in each of the three sets – from six total chances – while the Russian only broke once in the second set from three opportunities.

Additionally, Djokovic hit six more winners (38-32) and four less unforced errors (35-39), to bring up the record-equalling 24th Grand Slam and moving two clear of his nearest male rival, Rafael Nadal. Unfortunately for Medvedev, it was another case of so close, yet so far.

“24. I feel like I have not a bad career and I have 20 titles, you have 24 Grand Slams. Wow,” Medvedev said. “Congrats to you and your team. You guys are amazing.”

The next major event for the ATP Tour is the ATP 500 event in Beijing later this month, before that rolls into the Shanghai Masters the following week. From there, the European ATP 500s take place in Austria and Switzerland, culminating in the Parish Masters on October 30. The final individual tournament of the year for the players will be the ATP Finals in December.