Djokovic is ready to blast past rival and make history
NOVAK DJOKOVIC will take on the biggest match of his life tonight as if it is his last.
And if that doesn’t send a shiver down Russian ace Daniil Medvedev’s spine then nothing will.
The world No.1 will walk out at the Arthur Ashe Stadium knowing he is three sets away from history – the first calendar year men’s Grand Slam since Rod Laver in 1969.
And a chance to overtake Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal’s haul of 20 Majors.
That’s all the incentive this machine of a tennis player needs and it was the motivation required to edge past Alexander Zverev in a five-set US Open semifinal thriller on Friday.
The win set up a clash with Medvedev (above), who has cruised through at Flushing Meadows.
And he fancies his chances of reversing the defeat he suffered to Djokovic in the
Australian Open final. Medvedev said: “I think from my side, if I can make this, I’ll probably be in the history books for not letting him do this.
“For sure he’s going to feel the pressure a little bit about it.
“But that’s going to make him even better in tough moments.
“Here we know that he will do everything to try to make it happen.”
The Serb agrees with Medvedev’s belief that he is going to fight more than ever to take the coveted title.
Djokovic said: “I know it’s on the line.
“Of course, I’m aware of it. I’m just trying to lock into what I know works for me. I’ve got a routine.
“I’m going to treat this match as if it’s my last one because it’s arguably the most important one of my career.
“It’s going to be a battle against a guy in tremendous form.”