Daniil Medvedev can hardly believe it: He is celebrating his first Grand Slam title. © ANSA / JUSTIN LANE
Daniil Medvedev won the US Open and prevented Novak Djokovic’s complete triumph at the Grand Slam tournaments this year. By the way, it’s a first for the Russian.
13. September 2021
Author: dpa / fop
The 25-year-old tennis professional from Russia beat the world number one last night (CEST) in New York with 6: 4, 6: 4, 6: 4 and won the first Grand Slam title of his career.
“Sorry Novak and fans. We all knew what he was trying to achieve today, ”said Medvedev in his speech at the award ceremony and then spoke directly to his defeated opponent. “I’ve never said that to anyone, but I’m saying it to you now: For me, you are the greatest tennis player in history.”
“I love you guys and I’ll see you again soon.”
Novak Djokovic after the match
Djokovic missed the Grand Slam from victories in all four majors in one calendar year due to the surprisingly significant defeat. The last time the Australian Rod Laver succeeded in doing this was in 1969. “My heart is filled with joy and I am the happiest man alive because you made me feel special,” Djokovic said to the audience. “You touched my soul. I’ve never felt like this in New York. Thank you very much. I love you guys and I’ll see you again soon. “
The 34-year-old Serb also has to share the record for most Grand Slam titles with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. All three are at 20. The world number two Medvedev had lost the finals at the US Open 2019 and in January at the Australian Open.
Medvedev wins in a hurry
As in the previous round, Djokovic lost the first set again – but the fact that he had to hand over his first service game to Medvedev was unusual and in retrospect a hint. After only 36 minutes Djokovic was back in sets 0: 1 against an opponent who had everything under control. Even three breakballs for Djokovic and the unabashed cheering for the Serbian spectators at the beginning of the second round did not disturb his 25-year-old opponent. Whatever Djokovic did, the 1.98 meter tall Medvedev was nimble enough and good enough to answer in too many situations. After 90 minutes he had won the second set, two more breaks in the third set finally paved the way to victory.
