Djokovic wins 24th Grand Slam with dominant US Open victory

Novak Djokovic has equalled the most Grand Slam singles titles, when he lived up to bookmakers’ predictions and overpowered Daniil Medvedev in the final of the US Open.

Djokovic’s 24th Grand Slam title, won in straight sets 6-3, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 early on Monday morning AEST, has drawn him level with Margaret Court’s tally.

Djokovic was heavily fancied by tennis betting sites, priced at $1.40 to defeat Medvedev ($3) in the final. He also began the US Open tournament as a $2.50 second-favourite to win the event.

The 36-year-old Serbian, setting the record as the oldest men’s US Open victor in the Open era, displayed remarkable skill and endurance inside the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium.

This win cements Djokovic’s position with it signalling his return to the world number one spot.

Two years prior, it was Medvedev who dashed Djokovic’s hopes in the final, denying the Serbian a chance to achieve the Grand Slam feat that only Australian Rod Laver managed in 1969. However, this year’s championship match saw a dominant Djokovic from the outset.

Launching his campaign with an assured start, Djokovic set the pace with a 2-0 lead, capitalising on Medvedev’s early missteps. The match saw the players locking horns with Djokovic persistently pressuring his Russian counterpart in his typical style, with his consistency and power from the baseline putting his opponent on the back foot.

Despite having previously put in a brilliant performance against Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open semi-finals, Medvedev found it challenging to maintain consistent momentum against a formidable Djokovic. The Serbian tennis maestro wavered momentarily during the second set but salvaged crucial moments, pushing the match into a tie-break.

An unforgettable highlight ensued as Djokovic, demonstrating sportsmanship, extended a hand to assist Medvedev after a stumble. Yet, the Serbian remained relentless in his pursuit of the title. After a series of gripping rallies, Djokovic secured the win and further consolidated himself as the greatest ever tennis player.

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