Daniil Medvedev shattered Novak Djokovic’s Grand Slam dream with a straight sets victory in the US Open final here Sunday, denying the world number one a record-breaking 21st major men’s singles title.
Russia’s second-ranked Medvedev dominated Djokovic 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to prevent the first calendar-year Grand Slam since 1969 and keep Djokovic level with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal atop the career Slam title list.
“Sorry for you fans and Novak because we all know what he was going for,” Medvedev said.
“What you have accomplished in your career… for me, you are the greatest tennis player in the history.”
Medvedev, the 2019 US Open runner-up, captured 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.
“Congratulations to Daniil. Amazing match,” Djokovic said. “If there’s anyone that deserves a Grand Slam title right now, it’s you.”
A tearful Djokovic paid tribute to the crowd that roared support for him even when all seemed lost down two sets and two breaks.
“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,” Djokovic said.
“You guys touch my soul. I’ve never felt like this in New York.”