Novak Djokovic has won a record-equalling 24th grand slam singles title, beating Russia’s Daniil Medvedev 6-3 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 in the final of the US Open in New York.
The straight-sets victory means Djokovic, who at 36 becomes the oldest man to win the Flushing Meadows title in the professional era, has equalled the all-time majors record of Australia’s Margaret Court.
He will have the chance to set a new benchmark at the Australian Open in January next year, where he hasn’t been defeated since 2018 with his only missed title coming in the 2022 edition when he was controversially deported from the country due to strict vaccination requirements.
The clash was a rematch of the 2021 final, which Medvedev won in straight sets for his lone major title and denying Djokovic a fabled calendar-year grand slam sweep.
Djokovic has now taken three of the four available grand slam titles in 2023, having also won the Australian Open and Roland Garros while losing the Wimbledon final in five sets to Spanish wonder Carlos Alcaraz.
His fourth title from 10 Flushing Meadows finals also propels the Serb back to the top of the rankings, replacing dethroned champion Alcaraz.
Of more importance to Djokovic is his record against his peers; he is now two clear of Nadal’s 22 grand slam crowns and four ahead of Roger Federer, who declared on 20 last year.
Third-seeded Medvedev, who knocked out Australians Chris O’Connell and Alex de Minaur as well as reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz on his way to the final, has now lost four grand slam title deciders – two each to Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.
Medvedev lost to Nadal in New York in 2019 and Melbourne last year, and was beaten by Djokovic at the 2021 Australian Open.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
For when only the best will do
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
Because you hate Victorians.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
And Murray was the most hampered of the 4 with his hip. And why am I going into bat for someone from the UK?
Kitwally
Roar Rookie
Good comment Mr. Right!
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
I am the greatest!!! Muhammad Djokovic has most likely been pondering this in his mind for sometime. It is only a matter of time until he shares this publicly with the tennis world. A wonderous tennis champion!! I still have a strong memory of the greatest tennis match of all time. The 2012 Australian Open final that lasted almost 6 hours. Rafael Nadal was truly in his prime & he was beaten by a 24yo Djokovic 7-5 in the 5th set. Tennis fans over the last 20 years have been truly spoilt in regularly seeing playoff finals including Federer, Nadal & Djokovic. You probably have to feel some sympathy for Scotsman, Andy Murray. This super player, would have won so many more major titles in any other tennis era that excluded the terrific champion trio. He has had to settle for only 3.