USA TODAY International Edition
Medvedev thwarts Djokovic’s Slam bid
NEW YORK – Daniil Medvedev knew whichever way the US Open final turned out, he was going to make it into the history books either as a footnote in Novak Djokovic’s conquering of the elusive calendar Grand Slam or the man who stopped it from happening.
When the 25- year- old Russian got his opportunity Sunday to determine which one would be his destiny, he did not miss.
Medvedev finally broke through for his first major title, defeating Djokovic 6- 4, 6- 4, 6- 4.
Medvedev became the first member of the 20- something generation to defeat one of tennis’ so- called Big Three including Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in a Grand Slam final. In doing so, he stopped Djokovic’s quest to win all four majors in the same calendar year, something no man had accomplished since Rod Laver in 1969.
After his wins earlier in the Australian Open, the French Open and Wimbledon, Djokovic remains stuck on 20 majors, tied with Nadal and Federer for the most in history.
Though the New York crowd lusted to see history made Sunday, at times to the point of being disrespectful to Medvedev, he controlled the match from the first ball when he broke Djokovic’s serve to begin the first set.
That was all Medvedev needed to win the set, as he completely befuddled the greatest returner of all time with his serve speed and variety.
In the second set, Medvedev made an early statement by digging out of a 0- 40 hole on his first service game. He also denied a break point to Djokovic on his next service game, drawing a racket smash in frustration. In the very next game, Medvedev broke a still emotional Djokovic and held on to win the second set.
Medvedev didn’t let his foot off the gas even one bit in the third set.
Medvedev was almost apologetic about disappointing the crowd. “I never said this to anybody but I’ll say it right now,” he said of Djokovic. “For me, you’re the greatest tennis player in history.”