Daniil Medvedev spoils Novak Djokovic’s record 21st title hopes after straight sets win in US Open Final

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novak djokovic and daniil medvedev us open
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The world number one Novak Djokovic was denied a record-breaking 21st major men’s singles title by Russia’s second-ranked Daniil Medvedev, who came up with a straight-sets victory in the US Open final on Sunday.

Novak Djokovic loses in the final against Daniil Medvedev

novak djokovic and daniil medvedev us open

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Medvedev had totally dominated Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to prevent the first calendar-year Grand Slam since 1969 and this has kept Djokovic on level terms with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

The match was undoubtedly the biggest of all 1,176 career matches of Djokovic. But, he made two unforced forehand errors to relinquish a break in the first game to Medvedev, who held through to take the first set in 36 minutes, never facing a breakpoint. It was the fifth consecutive match in which Djokovic dropped the first set.

The 2019 US Open runner-up Medvedev was able to bag his first Grand Slam title in his third Slam final, a rematch of February’s Australian Open final, won in straight sets by the 34-year-old Serbian to launch his Slam quest.

Following the win, Medvedev said: “Sorry for you fans and Novak because we all know what he was going for. What you have accomplished in your career… for me, you are the greatest tennis player in history.”

While Novak Djokovic said: “Congratulations to Daniil. Amazing match. If there’s anyone that deserves a Grand Slam title right now, it’s you. Even though I have not won the match, my heart is filled with joy and I’m the happiest man alive because you guys have made me feel special on the court.”

ALSO READ: 18-year Old Emma Raducanu wins US Open Final

Djokovic was unsuccessful to bag the US, French and Australian Opens, and Wimbledon in the same year for the first time since Rod Laver did it 52 years ago with 83-year-old Aussie legend Laver among 23,700 watching at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Djokovic missed out on his fourth US Open title and will be heading to 2022 equaled with his rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, both absent with injuries, on an all-time record 20 men’s Slam titles.

Medvedev became the third Russian man to win a Grand Slam title after Yevgeny Kafelnikov at the 1996 French Open and 1999 Australian Open and Marat Safin at the 2000 US Open and 2005 Australian Open.

Also Read:

18-year Old Emma Raducanu wins US Open Final

 

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