Novak Djokovic has no plans to relinquish his position as one of tennis’s greats to the next generation. At 36 years old, the Serbian athlete showed that age is just a number by becoming the oldest man in the Open Era to lift the US Open trophy.
With Roger Federer retired and Rafa Nadal, plagued by injuries, set to bid farewell after the next season, the era of the ‘Big Three’ may have ended. However, Djokovic, the final member of this triumvirate, reminded fans in New York that he’s far from finished.
His impressive 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3 victory over Russia’s Daniil Medvedev not only earned him his fourth Flushing Meadows title but also marked his 24th Grand Slam victory, equaling the record held by legendary Australian female player Margaret Court.
Sunday’s triumph helped Djokovic join the illustrious company of Margaret Court, who had won 24 singles Grand Slam titles, the most in tennis history. However, Djokovic made it clear that he’s not done yet; he wants more.
Occasionally questioning himself about why he continues at this stage despite his extensive accomplishments, Djokovic stated, “Knowing that I play at such a high level still and I win the biggest tournaments in this sport, yeah, I don’t want to get rid of this sport or I don’t want to leave this sport if I’m still at the top.”
Djokovic demonstrated his enduring prowess by defeating some of the United States’ brightest young talents on his way to the final. He triumphed over 25-year-old Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinals and 20-year-old Ben Shelton in the semis. In the final, he faced the 27-year-old Russian, Medvedev, who had previously thwarted his quest for a calendar Grand Slam on the same court two years ago.
Djokovic did not let this opportunity slip through his fingers, overpowering Medvedev in a series of grueling rallies. He stated, “My team, my family knew that the last 24 hours, don’t touch me, don’t speak to me about, you know, the history of what’s on the line.”
“I really did my best to keep things quite simple and stick to the routines that brought me to where I am and treat this match really as any other match where I just need to win.”
Djokovic drew level with Spain’s Nadal when he secured his 22nd major title in Australia and then surpassed the men’s record when he claimed his 23rd major title at Roland Garros. Despite facing a loss to 16-year-old Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon, Djokovic demonstrated that the changing of the guard was not imminent after winning in Cincinnati and dominating the Flushing Meadows tournament.
While Djokovic recognizes that new players will eventually emerge, he remains dedicated to maintaining his position at the top. “Players come and go,” he acknowledged. “It will be the same kind of destiny for me. Eventually one day I will leave tennis in about 23, 24 years. And there is going to be new young players coming up. Until then, I guess you’ll see me a bit more.”
Sunday’s victory also helped Djokovic overcome some less favorable memories associated with the US Open. His 2019 title defense was marred by a fourth-round exit due to a shoulder injury and boos from the stands. The following year, the Covid-quieted edition saw his disqualification in the fourth round after inadvertently striking a line judge with a petulant swipe at a ball.
On Sunday, however, there was nothing but sheer delight for Djokovic. His win secured his return to the top of the world rankings, and as he reveled in his triumph, he had no comforting words for those hoping to take his place.
“It’s not my interest and neither business to really review what everyone talks about or thinks, whether there is a passing of the torch or new gen, next gen, future gen, whatever you want to call it, happening or not happening in the sport,” he said.
“I focus on what I need to do and how I get myself in an optimal state so that I can win the biggest trophies in our sport. That’s what I care about.”
