DANIIL Medvedev has denied world number one Novak Djokovic a couple of historic records by defeating the Serbian top seed in the US Open final overnight. Djokovic was gunning for a history-making 21st Grand Slam – to pull away from equal champions Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal – as well as joining Rod Laver as the other calendar Grand Slam champion – all four Slams in a calendar year – when he stepped out on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Medvedev played the role of party pooper, coming good on his promise to the US Open crowd a couple of years ago when he was infamously booed throughout the third round match and eventually made the final before losing to Nadal. That night he encouraged the crowd to continue booing because it drove him, and it appeared that way at Flushing Meadows for the final, with many celebrities and tennis legends venturing down to see if Djokovic could make history. Instead, it was Medvedev who made history, winning his maiden Grand Slam title after a number of close calls including a loss to Djokovic in the Australian Open final this year.

“First of all I want to say sorry for you fans and Novak. We all know what he was going for today,” Medvedev said post-match. “I’ve never said this to anybody, but I will say it right now. “For me, you are the greatest tennis player in history.”

The Russian second seed became just the third Russian in history to win a Grand Slam title behind Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Marat Safin. It was far from easy, but he was clinical, only dropping one set throughout the entire tournament, Medvedev played at an incredibly high level as a weary Djokovic – who had not played missing out on a medal at the Tokyo Olympics – was struggling to lift up to his well-known top gear. The crowd did its best to get their fan favourite across the line, but it would not be enough.

“I want to thank you guys,” Medvedev told the crowd. “Today maybe you were a little bit more for Novak, but that’s completely understandable. “Throughout the week you gave me a lot of energy, starting from 2019, long ago. “It helped me ’til today. “It was not easy, but thanks a lot.”

Medvedev had three Championship points, the first coming when he was serving for the match at 5-2. He double-faulted and then was broken for the first time in the match – having broken Djokovic four times to that point and saved all five of his own break points – which enabled the Serbian to get it back to 5-4 in the deciding set. Going 40-15 up, Medvedev had two more Championship points, before double-faulting again. He was third time lucky however as a better effort result in a forced error from Djokovic with a backhand into the net to win the title.

The Russian served 16 aces to six, and hit 38 winners to 27, with Djokovic uncharacteristically loose with his shots, hitting 38 unforced errors in the process. He might have only won 16 more points, but Medvedev broke four times to one from only two more opportunities, and won 58 per cent of his second serve points compared to Djokovic’s 40 per cent. The Serbian was far better at the net (66 to 50 per cent) but Medvedev had the variety of shots to worry the world number one and claim the title.

Now the pair will have a break until Indian Wells in October, with the ATP 1000 tournament the last major tournament prior to the Paris Masters where Medevedev will hope to defend his crown. From a less ATP Rankings perspective, the Russian will also look to lead Team Europe at the upcoming Laver Cup.

US OPEN FINAL RESULT:

[2] Daniil Medvedev (RUS) defeated [1] Novak Djokovic (SRB) 6-4 6-4 6-4

Picture credit: Sarah Stier/Getty Images