Novak Djokovic delivers somber tidings to Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, and all the aspiring grand slam contenders: “I shall persist.” Djokovic cemented his status with a historic 24th grand slam triumph, vanquishing Medvedev in a strenuous three-set battle at the US Open. At 36 years old, he concluded yet another commanding season, characterized by victories at the Australian and French Opens and a runner-up finish to Alcaraz at Wimbledon. Remarkably, Djokovic became the oldest champion in the Open era at Flushing Meadows.
Even Medvedev, whose valiant effort ended after an exhausting 104-minute second set, inquired, “Why are you still in this, I mean, come on?”
However, Djokovic affirmed, “I shall persist. You see, I maintain a state of well-being within my own physique. I still sense unwavering support from my surroundings, my team, and my family.
Throughout the past few years, I’ve consistently emphasized the grand slams as my foremost objective and priority throughout the season. I allocate my efforts judiciously, reserving them to reach my peak performance during these grand slam events.
“These are the moments and emotions that fuel my motivation each day when I’m not engage in tournament play. On occasion, I do ponder: ‘Why do I continue at this stage, considering my extensive accomplishments? How long will I persevere?’ These inquiries do cross my mind, naturally.
Nonetheless, recognizing that I continue to perform at an elite level and secure victories in this sport’s most prestigious tournaments. I am disinclined to bid farewell to this sport while I still command its zenith, while my performance endures.
” Djokovic’s triumph in New York elevates him above Serena Williams as the all-time leader in Open era grand slams. While he shares the record for the most grand slam victories with Margaret Court, it’s noteworthy that many of Court’s titles were achieved prior to the inception of the Open era in 1968.
A Medvedev double-fault and an incendiary backhand winner down the line afforded Djokovic the early break point, which he effortlessly converted to love, securing the initial set in a relatively brisk 48 minutes.
Medvedev, stationed deep behind the baseline, compelled Djokovic to toil in the second set, with signs of fatigue surfacing in the favorite’s performance. After an hour and three quarters, Medvedev earned his first break point of the match. But Djokovic adeptly extinguished it with a commanding serve and a flawless volley.
Medvedev found himself with a set point on Novak Djokovic serve. Yet another expertly executed volley at the net nullified the threat. As the tie-break slipped away from the 27-year-old Russian, the outcome of the match inevitably followed suit.
“The second set represented my pinnacle performance, yet victory eluded me,” reflected Medvedev. “Hence, the trajectory of the match unfolded as it did, with Djokovic prevailing in the first and third sets. If I had secured the second set, perhaps the dynamics of the match would have taken a different course. I am resolute in my intent to improve in the future.”
