US Open '21: Novak Nowhere

Djokovic Blows Chance At 21st Grand Slam

DANIIL MEDVEDEV defeated NOVAK DJOKOVIC 6-4, 6-4, 6-4

Shocking scenes at Arthur Ashe Stadium today as Russian World Number 2 Daniil Medvedev, absolutely crushed Novak Djokovic

His pursuit of both the calendar-year Grand Slam and a record 21st grand slam title fell agonizingly short as he came up against a rampant Medvedev. The Russian broke the legendary Djokovic in the first game of the match and never looked back from there. It took Djokovic 28 games to do likewise on Medvedev’s serve.

In front of the last man to do the calendar year grand slam, Rod Laver, and A-list celebrities Leo Di Caprio, Alec Baldwin, and Ben Stiller, Medvedev took revenge on Djokovic for his Australian Open final loss to win his first grand slam on the third attempt.

The emotion of the occasion seemed to get to World Number 1. After breaking Medvedev and winning the subsequent game, during the change of ends, he appeared to be in tears.

After faltering with his first couple of championships, he finally got it done. He sent down a thundering serve that Djokovic could not return. This simultaneously earned Medvedev his first Grand Slam title, while handing Djokovic the first straight-set loss in a Grand Slam since a loss to Dominic Thiem at Roland Garros in 2017.

Medvedev crashed to the ground as the chair umpire announced he was the US Open champion on his 3rd wedding anniversary.

Djokovic was humble in defeat having this to say during his post-match interview:

“I would like to start off by saying congratulations to Daniil, amazing, amazing match. If anyone deserves a grand slam title right now, it’s you.”

Addressing the crowd he said -

“Even though I didn’t win the match, my heart is filled with joy. I’m the happiest guy alive and you guys made me feel special.

Meanwhile, the new champion said he felt he'd beaten the best tennis player in history -

“I want to say sorry for you fans, and for Novak, what you have accomplished throughout your career, I have never say this [before], for me you are the greatest tennis player in history. It’s not easy to win a slam. I want to thank you guys (the crowd) ... throughout the week you gave me a lot of energy. Thanks a lot, guys.”

It was an incredible finish that nobody could have predicted, suitable for this year's US Open championships. I hope you all have enjoyed our coverage on thepyrrhic.com as much as I have enjoyed covering it for you.