Two years after their US Open final, where Daniil Medvedev won his first Major, the pair go at it once more in the tournament’s showpiece event. Follow along for live ball-by-ball commentary as the Serb looks to secure a 24th Grand Slam title while Carlos Alcaraz’s semifinal conqueror hopes he can finish an unforgettable fortnight with another historic triumph too.
Djokovic vs. Medvedev, live ball-by-ball commentary
- Live score commentary: Novak Djokovic took the first set 6-3, saved a set point before outlasting Daniil Medvedev in a second set tiebreaker
- Djokovic has reached all four Major finals this season, winning two and losing the most recent one against Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon in July
- Medvedev produced some awe-inspiring tennis in Friday’s second semifinal to overpower 20-year-old Spaniard in four (7-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-4)
Djokovic [2] bt. Medvedev [3] 6-3, 7-6, 6-3
Monday, 01:15 BST – My full match report, plus more analysis over the final few days of the year’s final Major, will come shortly. Stay tuned to moandsports.com for the latest across multiple sports, as usual, and until next time… goodnight!
Tennis doesn’t stop either: San Diego (WTA 500) and Osaka (WTA 250) are already underway, while Davis Cup and Laver Cup play will occupy most of the top-ranked ATP pros next week unless sidelined with niggling injuries like Carlos Alcaraz (thigh).
As a freelancer without a full-time home, it’s a difficult task trying to finalise media accreditation for any events – not least the biggest on the calendar – but I really tried to be there in-person for this Major, and hopefully next year that can be the case.
Thanks for joining me for this live commentary, I’ve been busy working away from my laptop over the weekend so didn’t get to cover a few matches in depth as much as I wanted, but this was a fitting end to an action-packed fortnight’s play in New York.
DJOKOVIC:
I’m really living my childhood dream, competing at the highest level given the adversities in the 90s, being able to push through and especially my parents who sacrificed a lot to see me play, I love you so much.
It’s a very expensive sport, they support me – not accessible or affordable – I fell in love with it, quite a choice I must say but incredible resilience, belief from my parents and the people around me, all these years, my wife and kids, team and everyone there, this is your success as much as it is mine, I love you.
To make history in this sport is remarkable and special, in every possible way, hard to describe in words, I had the dream when I was seven or eight, wanted to become the world’s best and win the Wimbledon trophy. When I realised that, dream new dreams and set new goals, never thought that would be the reality… standing in-front of you with #24, I have a shot at history so why not grab it if it’s presented to me?
Enough talking to me, congrats and I’m sorry, happy anniversary to your wife [laughs], it comes from a good place, Daniil has been incredibly nice and kind to me and my team, I think since you were a junior, started training with your coach, nice to see the evolution and I know there’s a lot more to come in future.
You’ll win more slams, no doubt. He has the most authentic personality, definitely the best – never change please – what else should I say?
[Mamba mentality and the Novak will to win, how do you do it?] I thought of doing this, eventually, if I get a chance to win the tournament, about seven days ago.
I didn’t share it [the t-shirt remembrance gesture] with anyone until a few days ago, Kobe was a close friend of mine, we chatted a lot about the winner’s mentality, when I was trying to make my comeback from injury, I relied on him a lot, any kind of counsel or advice in the most friendly way.
What happened a few years ago [Kobe and daughter Gianna died in a 2020 plane crash] hurt me deeply and I thought 24 is the jersey he wore when he became a Laker legend and the world of basketball, a nice symbolic way to acknowledge him for all the things he’s done.
2003 US Open champion Andy Roddick, who he played nine times against on tour between 2007-2012, presents him the trophy.
MEDVEDEV:
First of all, I wanna ask Novak what are you still doing here? Jokes apart, our third final – maybe not the last – you’re probably gonna be in many more, I don’t know when you’re planning on slowing down a little bit.
24, I have 20 titles and you have 24 Grand Slam titles, wow. Congrats to you and your team, you’re amazing. I was here two years ago when I won, what a great anniversary for my wife and stuff like this… pretty shit one today, it’s funny because dates usually change, I thought come on, do it one more time but it couldn’t happen.
Eight years with me, thanks to my coaches, family, everyone who supports me through this tough, sometimes easy, sometimes happy, sad journey, thanks a lot.
I find it amazing that I beat him in a Grand Slam final, it’s the pinnacle of my career… only managed to win one out of five against him and Rafael Nadal..
I said it once in Australia, I’ll say it again in a new city. When I was around world #500, he was super kind to me, treated me as a normal person, I was surprised, that’s amazing. Nothing has changed, that’s something great about a person you can say.
Last but not least, thanks to you guys [the fans], I came one week before the tournament and said wow, I wanna play good here, feel the energy of the crowd, wanted to do better but you’re pushing me all the time, really hope that one more time I can hold this trophy again, thank you.
After the celebration and preamble before the trophy presentation… Medvedev starts with his runners-up speech.
DJOKOVIC WINS HIS 24TH GRAND SLAM!
Another Medvedev error and…
6-3, 7-6, *5-3 — 40-30: Djokovic with championship point, after responding to his sixth double-fault by outlasting Medvedev in another tough rally.
6-3, 7-6, *5-3 — 15-15: That net play has worked wonders for Djokovic today, and does so again as he levels the score in the game with an unreturnable volley.
6-3, 7-6, *5-3 — 0-15: Medvedev serves an ace to give Novak the serve it out question, and starts their subsequent game the best way possible: a return ace!
Djokovic 6-3, 7-6, 5-2* — 30-40: Medvedev with some excellent shot defence, then court coverage to counter the Serb’s intricacy at the net with some deft play of his own.
6-3, 7-6, 5-2*: Novak finds himself just four points away away from victory now..
6-3, 7-6, *4-2 — 15-0: Djokovic breaks again, then hits a beautiful backhand slice winner at the net to kickstart his latest service game. Any more twists incoming, they’d better come now.
6-3, 7-6, 3-2* — 40-30: Djokovic has a break back chance, from 0-30 down, as it feels as though both are trying to one-up one another in the self-destruct department over the past five minutes. Some ragged tennis being played now.
Djokovic 6-3, 7-6, 3-2*: Medvedev breaks back! He wags his racquet triumphantly as they go to their respective chairs, having watched the Serb capitulate all on his own as we near the three-hour mark. Novak now berating his box, pointing to his head after what was really a sloppy service game given the circumstances.
6-3, 7-6, *3-1 — 15-40: Djokovic goes for a 118mph second serve, double-faults, and suddenly Medvedev finds himself with two break back points.
6-3, 7-6, *3-1 — 15-30: Medvedev has an opening to break straight back, after two loose errors down the other end..
Djokovic 6-3, 7-6, *3-1: Right on cue then, Novak breaks at the first time of asking! Medvedev overcooked a backhand, down two break points, but can he now consolidate it and race towards the finish line?
Djokovic 6-3, 7-6, 2-1*: Gilles Cervara sternly responds in French as Medvedev briefly barks at him after missing a return, the third seed has to be careful not to unravel over the next ten minutes or so as Djokovic has found a second wind now.
Djokovic 6-3, 7-6, *1-1: Djokovic returns and has the benefit of serving first in set three, doing so with little difficulty. Medvedev isn’t troubled either, thanks in part to that misfiring drop shot, but there you go.
Medvedev is receiving treatment on his left shoulder, as Djokovic has departed the court for what appears to be either a bathroom break or change of clothes. Either way, the atmosphere is markedly much different than it was just 20 minutes ago.
Djokovic wins set two, 7-6 (7-5)!
Another Medvedev error, just when it looked like the Russian was solid enough to avoid them, gives the Serb a big lead now.
6-5 Djokovic, set point: Persistence with a flurry of forehands, and a serve out wide that forces a Medvedev error gives the Serb a set point…
5-4 Medvedev: Medvedev’s defence holds up to scrutiny and Djokovic narrowly overcooks what would’ve been a fiery forehand winner… then the rally of the match ends with a Djokovic error at the net! Gripping stuff from both.
3-3: Djokovic levels the breaker after a much-needed 121mph first serve gets him a cheap point. Can he sustain that level of serving in the next few minutes though, and stay solid on return?
3-2: Just as soon as the commentator says Medvedev doesn’t look like missing, he nets a forehand return in a surprisingly short rally exchange.
2-1: His second serve looked borderline, but Djokovic gets on the board after an 87mph attempt and aggressive hitting forces Medvedev to blast long.
2-0 Medvedev: A forehand winner and netted backhand give the 27-year-old a mini break here.. Djokovic has 18 unforced errors in set two.
Into a tiebreak they go! Medvedev is 12-9 on the year, Djokovic 25-5.
6-3, *5-6, deuce: A reprieve for Medvedev, as a rally ball dies on Djokovic just before he’s about to strike and shortly afterwards, he opts to hit another drop shot when it wasn’t the right time and this attempt doesn’t reach the net.
6-3, *5-6, advantage Djokovic: A well-executed point finished at the net, and outlasting Medvedev in a 23-shot rally gives Djokovic the chance to force a breaker… as the cameras pan to a look at mum Dijana, who is understandably nervous in his box.
6-3, *5-6, set point Medvedev: It’s been another tough service game for the three-time champion, who has recorded another untimely pair of doubles to give Medvedev the initiative… this set could be over in a matter of moments.
6-3, *5-6: Djokovic once again must serve to take this exhausting set two into… a tiebreak!
6-3, 5-5*, advantage Medvedev: Crazy 26-shot rally that Novak somehow recovers from behind to win… then Medvedev replies with a 124mph unreturnable serve.
6-3, *4-5, 40-15: Remember when I said Djokovic’s serve was dwindling? Yeah, it’s becoming even more obvious now.
6-3, *4-5: A pair of crazy half-volley return winners sees Djokovic escape that predicament, but an over-reliance on a stroke clearly not working right now – the drop shot – means he’s quickly serving again to prolong this set further.
6-3, *3-4, advantage Medvedev: Two ill-advised drop shots have cost the Serb dearly and now, Medvedev has his first break point after 105 minutes’ worth of play.
6-3, *3-4, 40-40: Right on cue, two double-faults in a game from Djokovic – his first of the match…
6-3, *3-4: That might be the catalyst to Medvedev’s level rising in this final, should he manage to grab a foothold in this next service game and force Djokovic into similarly uncomfortable positions.
6-3, 3-3 — advantage Medvedev: A wayward backhand flies out… then an ace out wide gives the 2021 champion a much-needed hold.
6-3, 3-3 — deuce: A crazy service game so far, Medvedev outlasting Djokovic in another exhausting rally exchange before some excellent point construction sees the Serb respond exactly how you’d expect on the very next point.
6-3, 3-3: Fast service hold for Djokovic, and that’ll suit him just fine to put pressure back onto the Russian’s serve…
6-3, 2-3: A pair of timely aces ensures Medvedev avoids going down an early break, from 0-30 down no less, as the players are headed for another changeover. The door’s still open for Djokovic, how long for?
6-3, 2-2: Djokovic benefiting from Medvedev’s deep court position once again – how many times have I said that already – another deft shot can’t be reached in time, and they’re level again.
6-3, 2-1* — 0-30: Another pulsating rally, all 27 shots have you on edge, Djokovic tracking a drop shot and flicking one of his own as the pair exchange intricate shots at the net before the Russian can’t return a deft lob.
6-3, 2-1 Medvedev: It wasn’t easy, but Daniil back ahead after another deuce game on serve. Not sure whether quicker games will benefit him in the long run or not, at this stage. He needs to tighten up that error count though.
1-1: No early break for Medvedev to get his teeth stuck into just yet.
6-3, 0-1 — 0-30: Djokovic’s inspiring shot defence right there – one retrievable backhand in particular – forced another error from Medvedev’s racquet.
6-3, 0-1 Medvedev: That’ll do just fine for the Russian, who double-faulted (again) but navigated through a tricky opening game to lead. How he fares in Djokovic’s service games means even more now, with that scoreboard pressure.
6-3, 0-0, deuce: Match back underway now and Medvedev finds himself in a spot of early bother to start the second set. Alternating between winners and errors at the moment, he needs to settle down and quickly.
22:12 – Medvedev’s off for a comfort break, Djokovic just hydrating and stretching to keep himself loose in the meantime as the tournament honours female wheelchair singles champion Diede de Groot, whose win today over Yui Kamiji means she’s won each of the last 13 (yes, you read that right) Major titles. Remarkable achievement.
Djokovic wins the first set, 6-3!
Medvedev fires long and the game is iced.
Djokovic with some excellent shot defence to provide him with two more set points, after another arduous rally, as his box stand up to celebrate a gritty point won by the three-time champion.
Great serve, right into the far corner by Djokovic at an important moment – 15-all – using Medvedev’s deep return position to good effect.
Djokovic 5-3: He had to save two, both of his own doing in fairness, but the Russian refused to hand over set one without a fight. Djokovic serving for it now.
5-2, deuce: It’s all happening in this game now, Medvedev double-faults again but has already saved a set point…
5-2, 30-30: What a shot from Medvedev! Backhand down-the-line, Djokovic couldn’t get there in time, probably his best shot of the match and what a time for it.
5-2, 0-30: Medvedev’s box look to encourage their charge, who double-faults and suddenly has a hole to recover now..
Djokovic 5-2: Medvedev defended so well, for a series of rally balls that most would’ve long conceded, but Djokovic keeps his composure and fires a forehand winner from deep in the court. Clenched fist as he walks over to his chair, knowing the Russian must serve to prolong set one next.
4-2, 40-15: Djokovic’s first serve percentage has dropped rather quickly over the past few service games, and now is Medvedev’s opportunity to punish him for that.
Djokovic 4-2: Novak, who will return to world no. 1 after this tournament – win or lose – looks annoyed with himself after overcooking a forehand return during a rally he did well to open up, and feels he should’ve snatched to force deuce. Still a two-game advantage, mind.
Djokovic is 72-1 when he’s won the first set in New York. That lone loss came in four sets against three-time Major champion Stan Wawrinka, back in the 2016 final.
Djokovic 4-1: Medvedev hits a bold backhand which leaves Djokovic rooted to the spot, forcing deuce. Coming into the net once more, the Serb responds by cutting it fine with a volley winner before looking at his box as if to say, is that alright?
Daniil nets a forehand from the back of the court and although he had to work for it, Novak’s three-game advantage is restored for now.
3-1, 40-30: Successive serve-and-volley points – the first on a slow second serve – works for Djokovic who displays his immaculate touch and it had to be that good to beat Medvedev there. Still not out of sight in this game though.
3-1, 15-30: A gruelling 36-shot rally goes Medvedev’s way as Djokovic nets a backhand down-the-line and stumbles a bit afterwards. Here’s an opportunity for the Russian…
Djokovic 3-1: Medvedev with a timely change-up in his tactic, willingly coming to the net on one point before hitting a series of line-kissing rally balls on the next, forcing the Djokovic error as the former world no.1 gets on the scoreboard after 18 minutes.
3-0, 0-15: That aforementioned ace was 120mph, I’ve just seen the serve speed monitor show before Medvedev’s first attempt of this game. How long he’ll manage to keep that up, could very well decide this match.
21:33 – Cameras search for celebrities and notable faces in the audience, as the players refresh themselves for the first changeover of the afternoon local time. Plenty of actors and stars in attendance, unsurprisingly.
Djokovic 3-0: An important hold, from 0-30 down, landing an ace which kisses the line after slowing the pace and watching Medvedev net a rally ball in the previous point. 3-0 lead for the 23-time Major champion, who has the early initiative.
2-0, 0-30: Medvedev’s motor surprised many with how he tracked balls and covered space against Alcaraz, it looks to be continuing here: he punished a Djokovic drop shot, then hit a passing winner on the run in the next point.
Djokovic 2-0: Another unforced error, Medvedev’s third, presents Novak with an early break without warning.
0-40 on Medvedev’s serve: A loose game and just like that, Djokovic has three break points after unleashing an unreturnable forehand up-the-line…
Djokovic leads 1-0: Two big t serves provide Djokovic with an important first hold! Can Medvedev now respond by doing the same?
30-all, first game: Backhand up-the-line winner gives Djokovic the edge in another long rally, excellent shot defence from behind the baseline by Daniil and it pays off in the next point as the Serb overcooks a return long.
15-all, first game: After missing his maiden serve of the night, Djokovic outlasts Medvedev in the first of many long rally exchanges between the pair. Then he slices a backhand into the net on the subsequent point.
21:20 – Djokovic won the toss and elected to serve. He didn’t start well in this matchup two years ago, on this very court, and must produce better with more consistency if he wants to avoid a repeat tonight.
21:15 – Medvedev is bidding to become the first player to win the tournament, having beaten the top two seeds en route, since 1975 when Spain’s Manuel Orantes did so.
The pair are out onto court, warm-up well underway and the final just minutes away from a predictably packed Arthur Ashe stadium.
21:05: Djokovic leads the H2H 9-5, but the Russian won their most recent meeting in Dubai. Novak bested him two months earlier en route to the Adelaide title before his latest Australian Open trophy.
21:00 BST – Good evening and welcome to my live commentary, the first in a while but a special nonetheless, as Novak Djokovic vs. Daniil Medvedev has all the makings of an entertaining spectacle to decide this year’s US Open title.
Picture source: Getty Images, quotes via Eurosport live broadcast
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