Author: Barkha Roy
Novak Djokovic demonstrated his remarkable demeanour to secure victory over Daniil Medvedev in the men’s singles final of the US Open 2023 on Sunday. With a score of 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3, the 36-year-old won his 24th Grand Slam singles title, equalling Margaret Court’s all-time record and further strengthening his claim as the greatest tennis player of all time.
Wow. Wow. Wow.
What a point from Medvedev and Djokovic. pic.twitter.com/ACead1jHzF
– US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 10, 2023
The match was a rollercoaster ride, with Djokovic making the transition from precision play to fighting exhaustion and narrowly escaping a set point during a tense 104-minute second set. Djokovic initially saved Medvedev’s first two break points, but it was in the tiebreak that he showed his best form. In the tiebreak, Djokovic lost three tiring and protracted rallies, but managed to win a crucial fourth, triggering a three-point sequence that eventually won him the set.
Novak checks on Daniil after a hard fall 🤗
Things you love to see. pic.twitter.com/NR1HaasJp2
– US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 10, 2023
The third set presented a different narrative, with Djokovic looking rejuvenated and determined to win the title. He broke Medvedev’s serve in consecutive return games, getting Medvedev’s first break of the match, and quickly secured his fourth US Open title.
Novak hoists the 🏆 once again in New York! pic.twitter.com/LmZGzxT4Tp
– US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 11, 2023
Already the record holder for the most Grand Slam men’s singles titles, Djokovic equalled Margaret Court’s record of 24 titles, overtaking Serena Williams and equalling her. He is also two Grand Slam titles ahead of Rafael Nadal’s 22 and four ahead of Roger Federer’s 20.
Victory at the next Grand Slam tournament (it could be the Australian Open in January 2025) would make the Serb the sole leader.
Holders of the record for the most Grand Slam trophies won in history
- Novak Djokovic, Margaret Court – 24 trophies
- Serena Williams – 23
- Steffi Graf, Rafael Nadal – 22
- Roger Federer – 20
- Helen Wills-Moody – 19
- Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova – 18
- Pete Sampras – 14
Meanwhile, 16th-ranked Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe won their first Grand Slam women’s doubles title at the US Open. They secured victory by beating the 12th-ranked duo of Laura Siegemund and Vera Zvonareva 7-6(9), 6-3 in the final on Sunday.
This win represents a significant milestone in Dabrowski’s career, as it is his 14th doubles title, while for Routliffe it is his fourth. What makes this triumph even more surprising is that the two players joined forces for the first time over the summer in Montreal and, in only their fourth tournament together, they managed to win the prestigious US Open title, which is the most significant achievement in their individual careers.