Novak Djokovic. The greatest tennis player of all time, undoubtedly. The greatest athlete of all time, perhaps a more fitting argument. His record speaks for itself. 24 Grand Slam titles. An unrivalled combination of technique, resilience, athleticism and longevity, culminating in a remarkable reign of dominance over the sport.
When Carlos Alcaraz outplayed Djokovic in the Wimbledon final, questions emerged over a new wave of talented youngsters threatening the Serbian's supremacy. But Djokovic's greatness prevailed, and his victory against Daniil Medvedev was decisive and dominant. In a rematch of the 2021 US Open final, this time it was the Russian who was dismantled comprehensively. While two years ago, Djokovic was hunting down the ultimate tennis achievement, a calendar slam. This time, a staggering 24th title.
This had the makings of a fierce clash, and Djokovic began in deadly fashion, breaking serve early. Djokovic endured the painfully long service games and seemed in cruise control. Halfway through the second set however, the match changed, and the seemingly never-ending rallies gnawed at Djokovic. Medvedev should have dispatched a volley down the line to claim the second set. Djokovic forced a tiebreak, even with Medvedev well on top and Djokovic tiring, somehow the Serbian clinched the crucial pressure points and a marathon 104-minute set. Somehow, impossibly, yet again, Djokovic emerged from a tiebreak victorious.
So often, he has been the villain at Arthur Ashe Stadium against the crowd favourites Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, but when Djokovic clinched the final point, a raptorous crowd roared in celebration. The final set was won with a rediscovered spring in his step, a performance from a player whose game is almost entirely complete. The Serbian plays with the speed, endurance and agility of an athlete ten years younger, and on Sunday his decisiveness at the net proved a vital strategy.
It was so wholesome when a teary-eyed Djokovic lifted his daughter Tara. The Serb is the oldest US Open champion, the first man to have three grand slams in year four times. He played a record 47th Grand Slam semifinal, a record 36th final. He also extends his all-time record of 390 weeks at the top of the ATP rankings.
The records broken are countless. Novak Djokovic is far from done. New York will likely see him win again.
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