After setting himself up for a 24th Grand Slam by making the final of the US Open, Novak Djokovic discussed the last time he had made the final, his 2021 US Open clash with Daniil Medvedev. On the quest for a calendar Grand Slam two years ago, the Serbian had fallen, rather meekly, to the Russian. In his press conference after beating Ben Shelton, Djokovic admitted to having been overawed by the stakes in 2021. Now, after Medvedev upset World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz, the two will meet again in a rematch of that final but the Serb has learned from his previous mistakes.
After his semi-final win, Djokovic did not know whether he would face Alcaraz or Medvedev in the final. The last two times he lost a Grand Slam final was against either of them, but he is confident this time, no matter the opponent. He said he would not be thinking about records and history, a mistake he’d made in 2021.
Novak Djokovic talks about 2023 US Open final and what went wrong in 2021
Novak Djokovic has sailed to the final at the 2023 US Open, winning all matches in straight sets but one. Compatriot Laslo Djere gave him a real scare in the third round after going 2-0 up, but the World No.2 bounced back to wrap it up in five sets. After defeating surprise package Ben Shelton in the semi-finals, Djokovic set up a summit clash with Medvedev.
Given his semi-final fixture was scheduled first, the Serb did not know who his opponent would be. In his post-match press conference, he talked about both his potential challengers, Alcaraz and Medvedev. He said he would approach the match like any other, intending to win.
Djokovic admitted it won’t be easy because not only is it a Grand Slam final, but he will play against someone who has defeated him in a Majors final. Alcaraz defeated Djokovic in the Wimbledon final this year, while Medvedev bested him in the 2021 US Open final.
“Knowing that it’s going to be the toughest challenge, without a doubt, not just because it’s a final but also because I’m playing — you know, the two guys that the last time I faced both of them in a Grand Slam finals I lost; Carlos Wimbledon and then Daniil here in ’21 US Open final. I think I’m in very good shape too, so I like my chances.”
Djokovic went on to talk about the 2021 final in New York, saying he made the mistake of thinking too much about the history behind it. The Serb won the first three Slams of the year and was gunning for a Calendar Slam, the first in men’s singles since Rod Laver in 1969. He admitted that thinking about the records overwhelmed him, affecting his performance. He said he would not repeat the mistake this time and focus only on the match.
“I don’t have much time nor do I allow myself to reflect on these things or think about the history too much in this sense, you know, because when I did that in the past, like, ’21 finals here I was maybe overwhelmed with the occasion and the opportunity and I underperformed. So I don’t want this to happen again, and I’ll try to, you know, just focus on what needs to be done and tactically prepare myself for that match.”
Daniil Medvedev is a serious title contender
Medvedev has been one of the biggest and most serious challengers to Djokovic from this generation. In a time where other players from the ‘lost generation’ are guilty of deifying the Big 3, the Russian has struck a balance, becoming one of the only two players from that generation to win a Grand Slam. While he trails Djokovic 9-5 in their head-to-head, he has the advantage of winning their previous clash. The World No.3 emerged victorious 2023 Dubai Tennis Championships against his rival.
Djokovic and Medvedev have not crossed paths often in Grand Slams. The 2021 US Open final was the last time they faced off in the Majors. Before that, they played twice in the Australian Open, with the Serb winning both. Djokovic surrendered in straight sets in 2021 and will look to take revenge.
Just like 2021, however, the Serb has reached the finals of all three previous Slams. The fatigue may play a role despite him choosing to avoid other tournaments. His opponent will want to cash on it. This could be the best opportunity for his second Grand Slam title. Medvedev brings his best tennis to Flushing Meadows and Djokovic is in for a serious challenge.
