US Open 2021 final: Daniil Medvedev denies Novak Djokovic Calendar Slam, outplays him to win maiden Slam

By Ayush Gupta | First Published Sep 13, 2021, 4:51 AM IST

Russia's Daniil Medvedev beat Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the final of the 2021 US Open in straight sets. It turned out to be Medvedev's maiden Grand Slam title.

In what turned out to be a tremendous yet heartbreaking final ever, Daniil Medvedev of Russia defeated Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the US Open 2021 final at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York on Sunday. It was a straight-set defeat for the reigning world number one (6-4, 6-4, 6-4), therefore denying him the Calendar Slam.

First set
The opening set saw the Serbian getting broken in the first game itself. Although he primarily relied on power shots in the set, the Russian managed to hold on to his serve in a commanding fashion, firing quite a few aces and claim the set 6-4.

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Second set
Djokovic had a great chance to get back into the match when he had three break points. However, Medvedev played smart and denied him the same, while it took him just another break to clinch the set in a similar fashion (6-4).

Third set
In the third set, the world number one was outplayed yet again, as the world number two broke him twice to lead 4-0. At 5-1, he had the chance to serve for the championship and gained a championship point, only to squander it under pressure with twin successive double faults, allowing his opponent to break a set back.

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However, at this point, it seemed like Djokovic's emotions got the better of him as he began weeping behind the towel on his face. Consequently, the crowd fully got behind him, as Medvedev was serving for the championship again. And this time, the Russian made no mistake to take it swiftly, as he collapsed to the ground before rushing to the Serbian and hugging him, while he whispered in his ears, "I am sorry (for denying the Calendar Slam)."

Record and stat

It was Medvedev's maiden Slam title.
Djokovic leads Medvedev 5-4 in head-to-head encounters.
Medvedev becomes the second Russian after Marat Safin to win a Slam.

Reactions
Djokovic: "I would like to congratulate Daniil and his team on this incredible performance, and if someone deserves this title today, it's undoubtedly him. I might not have won today, but you fans made me feel special. I will be back soon."

Medvedev: "I would congratulate Djokovic for the champion he is, and there is no doubt that he is the Greatest of All Time. It is a special feeling, and I want to enjoy it with my team. Hopefully, I can win more."

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