New York: Daniil Medvedev ended Novak Djokovic’s Grand Slam hopes in the US Open men’s singles final, defeating the World No. 1 in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 on Sunday in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
With his dominant brand of tennis, the 25-year-old Russian claimed his first Major title, dropping only one set in the process.
“Relief. I was glad it was over,” Djokovic said after the defeat.
"I love you guys."
All the feels from @DjokerNole to the fans in New York. pic.twitter.com/PnEHevMVKk
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 12, 2021
However, after winning the first three majors of the year, Djokovic was attempting to break a tie with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for the most major victories in history by becoming the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win all four majors in a single season (20 each).
But Russian Medvedev, who joined Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Marat Safin as the third Russian man to win a Slam, waited patiently.
Daniil Medvedev stuns Novak Djokovic in straight sets to win the #USOpen pic.twitter.com/Ksup0ClAEI
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 12, 2021
Djokovic had beaten Medvedev in straight sets in the Australian Open final earlier this year, the last time the two had met at a major championship.
The second seed Medvedev finally opened his Grand Slam account two years after his five-set loss in his maiden Grand Slam final against Rafael Nadal, which took place at the same location- Arthur Ashe Stadium.