Djokovic wins US Open for fourth time

The victory after three hours and 17 minutes helped Djokovic avenge his defeat to Medvedev in the US Open final two years ago. This time, the final also lasted only three sets. Nole dominated his junior in the first and third sets, and was more confident in the tie-break of the second set. The fourth US Open title helped Djokovic increase his Grand Slam record to 24, two more than Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic lost just one service game in the match, when he led 3-1 in the third set. A double fault and unforced errors made it seem like the Serb was losing his advantage when he was close to winning. But he won the next return game, with the highlight being a backhand down the line winner. Medvedev tried to come back in his senior's decisive service game, but could not. Djokovic won the third set 6-3, to win his third Grand Slam of 2023.

Earlier, in the second set, Djokovic showed signs of fatigue after a series of more than 30 rallies with Medvedev. While Medvedev regained his confidence and continuously dragged his senior into physical competitions, Djokovic at times showed that he was less durable than his opponent. In the final game of the set that lasted more than 12 minutes, Nole had to struggle to save a set point.

In a set with an average rallies of 6.5 rallies, Medvedev had the edge, winning 26 of the 44 rallies. Djokovic had to change, looking to end the points quicker. His strategy of serving to the net many times helped him escape. Djokovic won all 11 serves to the net in the second set, to take the set to a tie-break.

In the nerve-wracking series, Medvedev took an early 3-1 lead. But with his strong will and class, Djokovic won three consecutive points at the end of the series to win 7-5 in the tie-break, ending the one hour and 45 minute set. Previously, in the first set, Nole only needed 48 minutes to overcome his junior thanks to the only game he won by receiving the ball.

In the Wimbledon final, Djokovic won the first set but lost the second set tie-break and let Carlos Alcaraz come back. This time, the second set tie-break once again decided Nole's Grand Slam final. By winning the important match, Djokovic led Medvedev by two sets and lowered the Russian opponent's spirit. In the third set, Medvedev was no longer confident in his game. He lost his serve twice and accepted his 10th defeat to Nole in 15 matches.

In his first return to the United States in two years, Djokovic won all 12 matches to win the Cincinnati Masters and the US Open. For the fourth time in his career, he won three Grand Slams in the same year. The 36-year-old did this in 2011, 2015 and 2021.

At 36, Djokovic and Medvedev (27) created the US Open final with the oldest combined age of two players in the Open Era. "I want to ask Novak: Why are you still here?" Medvedev jokingly asked his senior after the match. "Our third Grand Slam final and probably not the last. I hope so, because you probably still have many more finals to play. I don't know when you'll slow down."