US Open men’s final: Novak Djokovic plays the worst match of his career, beaten by Daniil Medvedev

On what could have been the biggest night of his life, Novak Djokovic played the worst match of his career.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia looks on as he plays against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during their Men's Singles final match.

Djoker. Choker.

There was a full house in New York City. Celebrities everywhere. Brad Pitt, Bradley Cooper, Spike Lee, Leonardo DiCaprio. Maria Sharapova sipped champagne. Rod Laver was in suit and tie. Dylan Alcott skolled from his quad singles trophy, Bob Hawke-style, and received a rousing ovation.

They were all there to witness sporting history. Novak Djokovic’s calendar-year grand slam. But he lost. Everyone was up for the occasion - except him. He started flat and stayed there. He was mildly fatigued by a tough run to the final. He was totally paralysed by nerves. To a very certain degree, Djoko turned choker in a shockingly emphatic 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 defeat to Russia’s Daniil Medvedev. He totally and utterly unravelled. On what could have been the biggest night of his life, he played the worst match of his career.

Rod Laver watches the Men's Singles final match between Daniil Medvedev of Russia and Novak Djokovic of Serbia.

Actors Brad Pitt, left, and Bradley Cooper watch the match.

Djokovic seemed so intent on conserving nervous energy that he didn’t use enough. He was in the curious position of having the crowd on his side. He plays better when he’s the villain. It gets his back up. Gets his blood pumping. The lovey-dovey and welcoming atmosphere took the sting out of him.

Medvedev’s first major title denied Djokovic a 21st. The Serb remains level with his two great rivals and arch enemies, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, atop the all-time list. They would have celebrated the result as fervently as Medvedev. He entered the final saying if he won the inner battle, he would win the tennis battle. He lost both. He also said there had been “a tornado” in his mind. To his detriment he tried to contain it. Keep it inside. He should have let it out. He’s a volatile character but he mostly tried to play it cool. Too cool.

Picture: Getty Images

Picture: AFP

He finally exploded in the second set, smashing his racquet three times in a furious outburst. He nearly took an angry swipe at a loose ball after a point, seemingly intent on hitting it out of the stadium, pulling out at the last moment because a ball girl was right there. It would have taken her head off and he would have been disqualified. Nerves did him in as much as Medvedev. The enormity of the stakes engulfed him. By the time he loosened up and played well, it was too late.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns the ball against Daniil Medvedev of Russia.

Medvedev had tension of his own to contain when victory was in sight. From match point at 5-2 in the final set, he served two double faults and lost the game. First majors don’t come easily. He did not blink after that. He played superbly. Hit the ball more cleanly than Djokovic. Moved better than Djokovic. He out-Djokovic’d Djokovic. Medvedev is a mercurial player, a riddle of a player. Djokovic couldn’t solve it. He was meant to go down swinging, having said he would leave his heart and soul on the court. There was barely a whimper.

Chasing a near-impossible 28 straight major victories in a year, it proved too much emotionally for Djokovic. Down 4-6, 4-6, 4-5 in match number 28, he finally put his face in a towel and wept throughout the changeover, the outward sign of the inner discombobulation. He shed tears again at the presentation. In the uncustomary role of inconsolable loser, he had never been more liked.

“Thank you,” Djokovic told a rapturous crowd. “Oh, thank you so much, guys. I would like to start off by saying congratulations, Daniil. Amazing. Amazing match. If there is anyone that deserves a grand slam title right now, it’s you. So, well done. Absolutely. You are one of the greatest guys on tour. We get along very well. I wish you many more grand slams, many more majors. I’m sure you will be on this stage again.”

"I love you guys."

All the feels from @DjokerNole to the fans in New York. pic.twitter.com/PnEHevMVKk

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 12, 2021

Djokovic said: “I was thinking, in both scenarios, sort of visualising standing here in front of you guys and what I would say. And, ah, I would like to say tonight, even though I have not won the match, my heart is filled with joy and I am the happiest man alive because you guys made me feel very special on the court. You guys touched my soul. I’ve never felt like this in New York. Honestly, I’ve never felt like this. I love you guys. Thank you so much for your support and everything you have done tonight for me. I love you and I’ll see you soon. Thank you.”

Medvedev told Djokovic he was the greatest. “Well, first of all, I think it’s the first time I’m so nervous saying my speech,” he said. “I want to say sorry. To you the fans, and Novak. I mean, we all know what he was going for today. I just want to say, what you have accomplished this year and throughout your career – I’ve never said this to anybody but I’ll say it right now. For me, you are the greatest tennis player in the history.”

Rod Laver's 1969 season remains the most recent Calendar Slam in men's tennis. pic.twitter.com/P07gHM1kGE

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 12, 2021

Here’s the thing about Djokovic trying to become the greatest. He’s not as good as the other two. When Federer was at his absolute best, he had Djokovic covered. When Nadal was at his absolute best, he had Djokovic on his heels. Djokovic has won as many majors as them because he’s been more consistent. Federer and Nadal can play at a ten-out-of-ten level, but they can also dip to eight. Djokovic always plays at nine but on Monday, he dipped to about a five.

Djokovic and Medvedev hold their trophies. Picture: AFP

Medvedev has been an intelligent player for a long time now. He was chasing his first major title but it didn’t daunt him. He raised a defiant fist at crucial moments. He hit the ball cleanly. Flat groundstrokes had penetrating depth. Poor footwork is the telltale sign of nerves and Djokovic couldn’t get moving. It was the worst match of his career. And Medvedev’s best.