US Open 2021 Final preview: Stakes high for Novak Djokovic against Daniil Medvedev for record 21st Slam title

The stage is set for the ultimate finale, as Novak Djokovic of Serbia goes head-on with Daniil Medvedev of Russia in the final of the 2021 US Open at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York on Sunday. The match would be of utmost importance for both, as the Russian chases his maiden Grand Slam title, while the Serbian aims for his record-breaking 21st Slam title.

Run so far
Considering Djokovic’s run in the tournament so far, it has been commendable, as he has had a relatively smooth run. At the same time, he also tamed some top players, like Kei Nishikori, Matteo Berrettini and Alexander Zverev. Interestingly, barring a match, he has made a comeback after losing the opening set, while it is unclear if the trend would continue in the final too.

As for Medvedev, his run has been comparatively more straightforward, while the two top challenges he faced were against Dan Evans and Felix Auger Aliassime. In contrast, he has lost just a set in the competition so far.

Head-to-head
Considering their head-on clashes, the Serbian leads 5-3. Their last clash was back in the Australian Open final this year, where the Russian had lost in straight sets.

Stat & records
- Djokovic would be playing his 30th Slam final, the second-most in the history, while he is one behind leader Roger Federer.
- He would be eyeing his 21st Slam title, which would make him the most successful man in the Open Era, overtaking Federer and Rafael Nadal.
- Medvedev would be looking to become only the second Russian after Marat Safin to win the tournament.

Pre-match reaction
Djokovic: “It’s going to be a battle against another guy who has been in tremendous form, Medvedev. He’s won a lot of matches on hard court so far. We played earlier this year in the Australian Open final. He’s already had a couple of Grand Slam finals behind him. I think experience-wise, it’s different for him now. I’m sure he’s going to give it all to win it, to win his first Slam.”

“On the other side, I’ll be giving it all I possibly got in the tank to win this match. I’m going to put my heart, my soul, my body and my head into that one. I’m going to treat that match like it’s the last match of my career.”

Medvedev: “I think from my side, of course… if I can make this, I’ll probably be in the history books a little bit somewhere, like not letting him do this. But I don’t really care about it. I think it’s more about him, that it affects him.”

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