US Open 2021 LIVE: Medvedev wins first major, stops Djokovic’s shot at elusive grand slam

A straight sets victory for Daniil Medvedev? Really, who thought that was possible?

The final day of the US Open began with Novak Djokovic within sight of not only the toughest task in tennis, but one of the harder feats in sport: winning the grand slam. Sure, Djokovic lost in three sets today and broke Medvedev’s serve only once, but it’s hard to escape the conclusion that no-one will get closer to grabbing the slam for a long time - a very long time.

In modern times, both Djokovic and Serena Williams have fallen at the final hurdle.

So does Medvedev’s big breakthough today represent the crumbling of the Big Three? Roger Federer (now 40 years old remember) and Rafael Nadal were both missing in New York. Time will tell.

It’s a red-letter day for Medvedev on a down day for Djokovic, arguably worn down by the physical and emotional challenge of getting to the finish line. Final thoughts? Djokovic has more majors left in him but, after today, so does Medvedev.

Daniil Medvedev delivers a gracious speech, given how hard the circumstances are for Novak Djokovic.

The Russian said he was unusually nervous about delivering his speech today.

“First of all I want to say ‘sorry’ for you fans, and Novak, because I mean we all know what he was going for today,” Medvedev said.

But he described his beaten opponent in the greatest of terms.

“With what you have accomplished this year and throughout your career, I never said to anybody [before] but I’ll say it right now - for me you are the greatest tennis player in history,” said Medvedev.

On his own performance, Medvedev said: “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.”

Daniil Medvedev.Credit: Getty Images

To put in bluntly, Djokovic looks shell shocked out on court.

They ask for a cheer for him, however, and the boisterous crowd responds.

Addressing the crowd, Djokovic is composed.

“I would like to start off by saying congratulations to Daniil,” he said. “Amazing, amazing match

“If anyone deserves a grand slam title right now, it’s you.”

A great message from the vanquished. “I was visualising both scenarios,” said Djokovic on the prospect of losing today.

“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.”

In the last 50 years, not one men’s player has been able to replicate Rod Laver’s feat in 1969 by winning all four majors in the same calendar year. Despite the sport boasting some all-time greats in modern times, this is easily the closest anyone in men’s tennis has got to it. Other players won it before Laver (a two-time winner of the grand slam) but the last player to do was Steffi Graf in the women’s game in 1988.

It’s worth noting that Serena Williams in 2015 was also in the same position as Djokovic today in coming to New York with the chance to win the slam. Williams, too, fell short. While some predicted that the Serbian would simply roll up and get the job done in straight sets, today’s result in a beautiful reminder that nothing is ever guaranteed in sport.

The mood on the centre court in New York is fascinating. There’s an undeniable sense of disbelief, especially among the NY celebs who flocked to Queens for today’s final.

Novak Djokovic buries his head into his towel and the tears are flowing. In the end, the task of winning the grand slam was too much. Already some pundits are wondering whether the world No.1 was carrying an injury. Regardless, he won’t get a better chance.

Medvedev, quirkily, fell to the court sideways after securing match point.

The reaction: Daniil Medvedev after the final point.Credit: AP

The state of play in men’s tennis (major titles won):

Novak Djokovic (20)
Roger Federer (20)
Rafael Nadal (20)

Medvedev DOES IT!

The Russian has completed one of the greatest spoils in modern sport, stopping Djokovic from winning the grand slam.

Daniil Medvedev defeats Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-4, 6-4

Full credit to Medvedev for breaking through to win a major, and what a way to do so!

Those couple of double faults Medvedev gave up as he tried to serve out the championship are quickly forgotten!