Novak Djokovic defeated Daniil Medvedev in the Men’s US Open Finals on Sunday to extend his grand slam singles titles to 24 and also win the $3 million prize money. The world No. 2 emerged for a 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-3 victory at the Flushing Meadows over his opponent, Medvedev. The 36 year old from Serbia dominated the first set, never facing a break point, however, the second set which lasted for an hour and 45 minutes was more competitive as Djokovic and Medvedev exchanged games which kept a record-breaking 799,402 audience at the edge of their seats.
After the match, Djokovic said, “It obviously means the world to me. I’m really living my childhood dream to compete at the highest level in the sport that has given me and my family so much.”
Following his win, Djokovic briefly fell to his hands and knees before walking towards his family in the stands to celebrate his epic win. He then returned to the court wearing a shirt with the words “Mamba Forever” written on the front and the number “24” emblazoned behind, in memory of the late basketball superstar, Kobe Bryant.
On his relationship with Bryant, Djokovic said, “I thought it could be a nice symbolic thing to acknowledge him. We chatted a lot about the winner’s mentality when I was struggling with the injury and trying to make my comeback, work my way back to the top of the game.
“He was one of the people that I rely on the most. He was always there for any kind of counsel, advice, and any kind of support in the most friendly way.”
