The stage is all set for an epic showdown at the US Open men’s final as Novak Djokovic takes on Daniil Medvedev. While it may not be the anticipated clash between Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, it promises to be a mesmerizing conclusion to the Grand Slam season.
For weeks, tennis enthusiasts were buzzing about a potential showdown between Djokovic and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the Flushing Meadows final. However, Medvedev played the role of spoiler, delivering a brilliant performance in the semifinals, securing a 7-6(3), 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 victory over the Spaniard.
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Now, the final between former US Open champion Medvedev and the three-time winner Novak Djokovic may lack some of the hype, but it more than compensates with the promise of high-quality tennis. This match brings together the world’s top two hardcourt players, setting the stage for a thrilling contest at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Beyond the battle on the court, this final is loaded with intriguing storylines. Djokovic stands at the cusp of history, aiming for his fourth U.S. Open title, which would match Margaret Court’s remarkable record of 24 Grand Slam triumphs. Moreover, it presents an opportunity for Djokovic to avenge his loss to Medvedev in the 2021 US Open final.
The last time Djokovic and Medvedev faced off at the US Open was in that memorable 2021 final, where the Russian clinched his first major title, denying Djokovic a rare calendar Grand Slam. It’s a loss that Djokovic has not forgotten and one from which he has learned valuable lessons.
In Djokovic’s words, “Every Grand Slam final is another shot at history, and I’m fully aware of it. I don’t dwell on it too much, but I’ve learned from my past performances.”
The head-to-head record between Djokovic and Medvedev adds an extra layer of intrigue to this final. Out of their 14 encounters, Djokovic has won nine, while Medvedev has claimed victory in five. Notably, their most recent clash in 2023 saw Medvedev triumph in Dubai, which will surely boost his confidence.
Both players have been tested on their road to the final. Djokovic, the second seed, made a remarkable comeback from two sets down in the third round against fellow Serb Laslo Djere. However, he didn’t drop another set on his way to his 10th U.S. Open final.
Medvedev, on the other hand, faced his toughest physical test in the quarterfinals when he defeated Andrey Rublev in straight sets in gruelling heat and humidity. He described that match as having to raise his level to “12 out of 10.”
In anticipation of Sunday’s final, Medvedev acknowledged Djokovic’s ability to elevate his game, emphasizing the need for him to be the “best-ever version” of himself to stand a chance against the Serb.
While Djokovic and Medvedev are undoubtedly captivating figures, it’s worth noting that both have had their share of challenges with the New York crowd in the past. Medvedev, in particular, was once considered public enemy number one for his on-court antics, while Djokovic faced controversy in 2020.
