AFP, New York :
Daniil Medvedev shattered Novak Djokovic’s Grand Slam dream with a straight sets victory in the US Open final on 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.”
Djokovic’s bid to sweep the US, French and Australian Opens and Wimbledon in the same year for the first time since Rod Laver did it 52 years ago collapsed at the last hurdle, with 83-year-old Aussie legend Laver among 23,700 watching at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“Simply stunning Daniil Medvedev, you stopped one of the greatest tonight,” Laver tweeted. “To win your first Grand Slam title is always special, to do it against a champion like Novak Djokovic is something else. Take heart Novak, the quest continues. Best wishes.”
Djokovic missed out on his fourth US Open title and will enter 2022 tied with “Big Three” rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, both absent with injuries, on an all-time record 20 men’s Slam titles.
Sitting after the match, tearful Djokovic said he was overcome with emotions.
“Relief,” he said. “I was glad it was over because the buildup for this tournament and everything that mentally, emotionally I had to deal with throughout the tournament in the last couple of weeks was just a lot.
“It was a lot to handle. I was just glad that finally the run is over.
“At the same time I felt sadness, disappointment, and also gratitude for the crowd.”
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.
