US Open Second Service: Medvedev crushes Djokovic dreams; Serb praises new champion
On Second Service today, Daniil Medvedev ends Novak Djokovic’s Calendar Slam dream to win his first Major title and the world number one praises the Russian.
Firstly, Djokovic has been denied Grand Slam and the elusive Calendar Slam as world number two Daniil Medvedev produced an inspired performance to lift his maiden Major title.
The world number one fell at the final hurdle on his quest to create history, as Medvedev sealed the title with a 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 win.
Djokovic was aiming to become just the third man ever, and the first since 1969, to claim a Calendar Slam. The result also means that the Serb remains on 20 Slam titles alongside Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Medvedev fell to the court after sealing the victory, capping a tournament where he dropped just one set across seven matches.
He also becomes just the second man born in the 1990s to win a Slam title, after Dominic Thiem became the first at last year’s US Open.
See more details about Medvedev’s victory here
Despite a hugely difficult loss, the world number one was gracious in defeat and said his Russian opponent was deserving of the victory.
Djokovic was clearly touched by the support he received from the crowd and recognised how special a moment it was Medvedev.
“I would like to start off by saying congratulations to Daniil [Medvedev],” Djokovic said in his post-match interview.
“Amazing, amazing match. Amazing tournament. If there is anyone that deserves a Grand Slam title right now, it’s you. So well done, absolutely.
“You’re one of the greatest guys on the tour, we get a long very well. I wish you many more Majors to follow, I’m sure you’ll be on this stage in the future, for sure.”
Take a look at Djokovic’s full quotes here
The Russian star was also full of praise for the 20-time Grand Slam champion while relishing his maiden Grand Slam triumph on the Arthur Ashe court.
Medvedev apologised to the fans and to his opponent for dashing his dreams of creating history, though admitted the Serbian is the greatest player ever.
“Sorry for you fans and Novak [Djokovic]. Because we all know what he was going for today. And I just wanna say, [regardless of today] what you accomplished this year and throughout your career.
“I never said this to anybody, but I’ll say it right now. For me, you are the greatest tennis player in history.”
See more of what Medvedev had to say here
Lastly, Mischa Zverev believes Novak Djokovic finally showed his ‘human’ side in defeat to Daniil Medvedev in the US Open final.
The Serbian played the final game of the match with tears in his eyes after being boisterously backed by the New York crowd, and Eurosport expert Zverev believes a connection was made.
“In the end he is human because I think it’s the first time I’ve seen him cry on a tennis court,” Mischa Zverev said of Novak Djokovic.
“He is so focused, like a machine but we saw today he is human. He didn’t win today but I think he won the hearts of the New Yorkers, that’s for sure.”
Take a look at Zverev’s full quotes here
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