Medvedev left US Open fans aghast with comment on Federer, Nadal and Djokovic
Daniil Medvedev won the biggest title of his career so far at the US Open in 2021.
The 27-year-old ended Novak Djokovic’s run at completing the calendar slam by beating the Serbian 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in the final at Flushing Meadows two years ago. His first triumph at a Major came two years after he reached the US Open final for the first time, but lost an epic five-set battle to Rafael Nadal.
After capturing his first Grand Slam, the former World No. 1 made a bold statement regarding his beaten opponent and compared him to his greatest rivals, Nadal and Roger Federer. "First of all I want to say sorry because we all know what he was going for today, what he has accomplished this year and throughout your career," Medvedev said during the post-match trophy presentation.
"I have never said this to anybody but I will say it right now. For me, you are the greatest player in the history." The crowd took an audible intake of breath after the admission. Djokovic, however, appreciated Medvedev's sympathy and was emotional as he collected his runner-up trophy.
"Thank you so much, guys. I would like to start off by saying congratulations to Daniil," the 36-year-old said. "Amazing match, amazing tournament. If there is anyone that deserves a Grand Slam title right now it is you, so well done. To your team, you have an amazing team, you are one of the greatest guys on the tour, we get along very well. I wish you many more Grand Slams, many more majors to follow, and I am sure you will be on this stage again in the future."
Novak Djokovic won Australian Open despite playing with major hamstring tear
Djokovic has competed in many monumental matches throughout his illustrious career, but arguably none bigger than the 2021 US Open final.
Djokovic was aiming to become the first male player since Rod Laver to win all four majors in the same calendar year after capturing that year’s Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon. After coming through a tough five-setter over Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows, he had earned himself a shot at tennis immortality.
Federer, Nadal and Djokovic are regarded by many as the greatest tennis payers of all time (Julian Finney/Getty Images for Laver Cup)Furthermore, Djokovic would have become the man with the most Grand Slam titles, as he was level with Nadal and Federer on 20 at the time. But Medvedev did not want to let another Grand Slam title slip through his fingers and played solid and aggressive tennis that on this rare occasion, Djokovic was unable to match.
The loss marked the icon’s first defeat in a Slam final since the 2020 French Open and his opportunity to create history came to an end at the final hurdle. Despite the agonising defeat, Djokovic has captured three more majors in the two years that have followed.
He now holds the record for the most number of Grand Slams by a male player after capturing his 23rd at the 2023 French Open. He has the opportunity to win his 24th at the ongoing US Open.
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