Daniil Medvedev’s stunning straight sets win over world No. 1 Novak Djokovic Curtained one of the most important editions of the US Open in recent memory. In the lead-up, the script was laid out perfectly – Djokovic was trying to become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win all four Majors of the year and take him to a record 21st, ahead of Roger Federer and Raphael. Trying to win a Grand Slam title. Nadal in all time tally. But Medvedev turned that narrative around with a surprising display of power and creativity in his third final to secure his first Major trophy. The 25-year-old looked to be the better player to come in the match. But beating someone so skilled at exploring history and turning record-breaking feats into major driving forces should be counted among the greatest achievements. Medvedev is an unconventional counter-puncher, with a stellar serve. On Sunday, the Russian ensured that one of the greatest returners of the modern era could not hold as much as a racket on as many serves, and remarkably, left the master of the lateral baseline movement doubting his own patent game. The physical and emotional toll of the past fortnight was evident in the way Djokovic cried toward the end, with the only consolation from the notoriously fickle New York crowd finally warming to him.
For Djokovic, things were looking pretty straight forward. Nadal and Federer were absent and had defeated a rising star for each of their last three Majors, including Medvedev, in a one-off match in Australia. But to beat three of them in a row – Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini, Alexander Zverev, who beat Djokovic on his way to Tokyo Olympic gold, and Medvedev – proved beyond him. It’s the kind of challenge that awaits even Federer and Nadal – more advanced in their careers than Djokovic – as they plot their return amid mounting evidence that the next generation is ready to compete. The women’s game, more sociable for the young and fledgling, yet managed to surprise 18-year-old British qualifier Emma Radukanu conquered an equally unhelpful Canadian teenager, Leylah Fernandez. for redukanu, whose last appearance in a Slam was at Wimbledon 2021, where she took advantage of a wild card and reached the fourth round, was astonishing to go a full three weeks without losing a set. Fernandez must also hold his head high, as he beat two former champions in Naomi Osaka and Angelique Kerber and two top-five players in Alina Svitolina and Aryna Sabalenka in a three-setter. Radukanu’s technically solid game and Fernandez’s left-wing flair can only be worthy additions to the fascinating mix of playing styles that adorn women’s tennis.
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