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Novak Djokovic defeated Daniil Medvedev in the US Open final, earning a 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 triumph in three hours and 16 minutes for his 24th Major title. Medvedev gave everything against the most formidable rival, missing his chances in the second set and failing to adjust his tactic.
Daniil stood too far back on the return, allowing Novak to impose his strokes with serve & volley combos. The Russian admitted his stubbornness during the duel, although he does not think the changes would have been enough to beat the Serb and lift the trophy.
Novak endured the physical issues, prevailing in the crucial moments and extending his Major tally. Djokovic served at 54%, facing only three break points and getting broken once. The Serb tamed his strokes nicely against the rival who covered the court beautifully, landing 38 winners and passing all the challenges.
Novak made a flying start, breaking Daniil at love in the second game and creating two set points at 5-2. Medvedev saved them and prolonged the set before Djokovic claimed it with a hold at 15 for 6-3 in 48 minutes. They battled for an hour and 45 minutes in set number two, with many extended exchanges.
Novak squandered a break chance in the seventh game and faced the first break point of the match in the next one. Djokovic denied it with a half-volley winner, bringing the game home after four deuces and locking the result at 4-4.
The Serb struggled behind the initial shot again at 5-6, offering the Russian a set point. Novak denied it with a valiant volley winner, introducing a tie break and gaining confidence.
Daniil Medvedev could not change his return position against Novak Djokovic.
Daniil led 3-1 before Novak climbed back, working hard and stealing the breaker 7-5 after the rival's backhand error for a massive confidence boost after two and a half hours.
Djokovic served well at the start of the third set and broke in game four, opening a 3-1 advantage after Medvedev's wayward backhand. Daniil pulled it back in the next one, delivering his only return game and seeking a comeback.
Instead, Novak broke for the second straight time in the sixth game, opening a 4-2 gap and serving for the title at 5-3. Djokovic sealed the deal after Medvedev's loose forehand, celebrating his 24th Major crown and writing a new chapter of history books.
"I may have won a set, but I'm unsure about the match. I will probably move closer on the return in the future against Novak and prevent his serve & volley attempts. I would have pressured Novak had I managed to win a few return points at 30-30 or 30-40.
It's about a comeback at the right time, as you do not need to chase a break in every game. I could not respond as I wanted to against Novak, although I believed I could. After the match, I knew I had been too stubborn. I should have changed my approach, but I'm not sure it would have been enough to beat Novak," Daniil Medvedev said.