Novak Djokovic clinched his fourth US Open title and 24th Grand Slam singles championship by defeating Daniil Medvedev in straight sets on Sunday, avenging his loss to the Russian in the final two years ago. Djokovic secured a 6-3, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 victory, making him the oldest men's champion in New York and equaling Margaret Court's all-time record for the most Grand Slam wins.
The 36-year-old achieved a historic feat, becoming the first man to win three Grand Slam events in the same season four times, solidifying his imminent return to the world number one ranking. In 2021, Medvedev had defeated Djokovic in straight sets in the final, preventing the Serbian from becoming the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win all four Grand Slams in a single year.
Djokovic, the second seed, started the match strongly with a confident hold, marked by consecutive aces, and capitalized on an early opportunity, breaking Medvedev for a 2-0 lead after the Russian committed a double fault. He consolidated his advantage with a third ace before Medvedev secured his first game in the fourth.
Both players maintained their serves comfortably until Djokovic once again applied pressure on Medvedev, who was serving at 2-5. Despite facing two set points, Medvedev displayed resilience, but Djokovic calmly secured the set in the following game.
Throughout the match, Medvedev, who had described his semi-final performance against defending champion Carlos Alcaraz as "12 out of 10," struggled to replicate his best form consistently against Djokovic. He found himself under pressure early in the second set, managing to fend off a break point and secure a hold for 4-3. However, Djokovic also displayed his defensive skills, saving a break point with a brilliant half-volley scoop, as per a AFP report.
Djokovic faced some challenges while serving at 5-6 in the second set, double-faulting twice and allowing Medvedev to reach set point. Nevertheless, Djokovic was ready when Medvedev went cross-court and sealed the tie-break.