Novak Djokovic reached a historic milestone by equaling Margaret Court's record of 24 major titles after a hard-fought victory in the US Open final. He defeated Russia's Daniil Medvedev, though not without a struggle; the second set was a marathon lasting 104 minutes. At several points, Djokovic seemed to be hitting a wall, with visible signs of cramping in his legs. Despite these physical struggles, his renowned resilience carried him through. Finishing with a 6-3, 7-6, 6-2 win, the Serbian star has dominated the majors this season, losing only one of 28 matches.
With a sweatily superb performance in the US Open final, Novak Djokovic equaled Margaret Court’s record of 24 major title victories. The Serbian star overcame Russia’s Daniil Medvedev after a mammoth 104-minute second set. Djokovic appeared to be on the ropes in the last sections of this set, which lasted longer than any of their first-round victories. While Medvedev’s was 74 minutes, Djokovic’s was 95. He was extending out his legs at times as if he was cramping. However, seasoned tennis fans will recognize his amazing healing abilities. With a 6-3, 7-6, 6-2 victory, Djokovic has now won 27 of 28 matches at the majors this year.
The match nearly swung in Medvedev's favor during the final service game of the second set, where he held a breakpoint that could have tied the sets and changed the psychological dynamic of the final. Djokovic, however, neutralized the threat by relying on a serve-and-volley tactic that proved devastatingly effective, working in 20 out of 22 attempts. For Medvedev, who tasted victory against Djokovic in the 2021 final, this missed opportunity was the defining moment of the match.
Djokovic delivered a masterclass in tactics and technique, paired with an incredible display of stamina despite the oppressive humidity. Medvedev tried to wear him down by prolonging rallies, aiming for an average of over six strokes per point. However, this passive approach often failed because Djokovic possesses an unmatched ability to gauge exactly when to defend and when to attack. This was most evident during the crucial second-set tie-break, where his aggressive net play sealed the win. Whenever his serve felt under pressure, he charged the net to finish the point, successfully winning 37 of his 44 net approaches.
He provided the answers he required in the crucial second-set tie-break, particularly with his net game, which proved decisive in this encounter. When Djokovic’s serve was under strain, he came in behind it and picked off the volley, winning 37 of 44 points at the net overall.
After 3 hours and 17 minutes of play—an unusually long duration for a match won in straight sets—Djokovic was visibly emotional and shed a few tears on court. He later changed into a shirt honoring the late basketball icon Kobe Bryant. Following the win, he rushed to his player's box to celebrate with his family and a surprise guest, actor Matthew McConaughey.
Earlier that Saturday, American Coco Gauff staged a comeback to win her first Grand Slam title, defeating World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka in a fierce battle. At 19, Gauff has made history as the first American teenager to win a women's singles major this century, a feat not seen since Serena Williams won the US Open in 1999.