NEW YORK — Novak Djokovic defeated Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-3 on Sunday to win the US Open and claim a historic 24th major championship, matching Margaret Court for the most Grand Slam singles titles in tennis history.
It was the latest record-setting milestone for Djokovic, who was already atop the men’s Slam list and has now moved one major singles title ahead of Serena Williams to become the first player to win 24 in the Open era. Court also collected a total of 24, but 13 of those came before professionals were admitted to the Slam events.
“To make history [in] this sport is just something truly remarkable and special, obviously, in every possible way, in every possible meaning of the word,” the second-seeded Djokovic said on the court following the win. “It’s hard to describe the words.”
His coach, Goran Ivanisevic, didn’t have the same struggle in explaining what he believed the accomplishment meant when speaking to reporters Sunday night.
“He’s a genius,” Ivanisevic said. “He’s one of a kind. Not too many people in this world like him, sportwise.
“This is one of the biggest achievements in sports history. We’re not talking about tennis. We are talking generally in sport.”
Djokovic has now won titles at exactly one third of the majors he has played in (24 titles in 72 major appearances). He has reached the final in exactly half (36) of the Slams in which he has competed.
“I never imagined that I would be here standing with you talking about 24 Slams. I never thought that would be the reality,” said Djokovic, a 36-year-old from Serbia who became the tournament’s oldest male champion in the Open era, which dates to 1968. “But the last couple of years, I felt I have a chance, I have a shot for history, and why not grab it if it’s presented?”
With his fourth title at Flushing Meadows, Djokovic joined Roger Federer as the only players on the men’s side with four or more titles at three different majors.
“It obviously means the world to me,” said Djokovic, who will return to No. 1 in the rankings on Monday. It will mark his 390th week at No. 1, the most by any player in ATP or WTA rankings history.
Under the roof at Arthur Ashe Stadium due to rain earlier in the day, the capacity crowd, which included a lengthy list of A-list celebrities, showered Djokovic with a standing ovation at the match’s conclusion.
He visibly sobbed while lying on the court at the conclusion of the 3-hour, 16-minute match before…
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