Novak Djokovic leaves McEnroe purring after US Open win with age pledge

Novak Djokovic wrote one other chapter in his exceptional story on Sunday by profitable his record-equalling twenty fourth Grand Slam by reclaiming the US Open title.

The new world No.1 drew stage with Margaret Court a yr after lacking the occasion right here in New York for his refusal to get a Covid 19 vaccine – and two years after dropping the ultimate right here to Daniil Medvedev in tears.

He formally returns to world No.1 within the rankings on Monday.

And a seemingly inevitable twenty fifth Major title in Melbourne in January – the place he has already gained 10 Australian Open titles – will see him grow to be statistically the best tennis participant of all time.

Then will probably be only a query of how lengthy the 36-year-old will need to keep on his profession and make extra historical past.

ESPN analyst John McEnroe mentioned: “He is one of the most remarkable athletes you will see in any sport in every way possible
“The drive, the hunger, the will he still has after all his achievements is crazy. He is one in a billion.

“I love Roger, I idolised Rod Laver. I have the greatest respect for Rafa Nadal who gives more of an effort consistently. But this guy. I don’t even know where to begin. You just have to admire him.”

The Serbian celebrity returned to win the Australian Open in January solely 12 months on from his deportation.

Carlos Alcaraz stopped his newest bid to finish a calendar Grand Slam in an epic Wimbledon remaining however the Spaniard was stopped by Daniil Medvedev.

Djokovic reached his fourth Major remaining right here – and overcame bodily points to out-lasted the Russian world No.3 6-3 7-6 6-2 in three hours and 17 minutes.

Full of lung-busting rallies – one first set alternate lasted a event excessive of 36 pictures – this re-match of the 2021 remaining was determined by a 104-minute second set which Djokovic lastly took on a tiebreak. The set lasted longer than each their first spherical matches right here – and virtually so long as the Truss authorities.

Djokovic has now gained 15 of his final 17 tiebreaks in Majors – one other instance of his psychological fortitude.

He tailored his techniques on this match to shorten factors – and gained 20 out of twenty-two factors enjoying serve-and-volley – and took his first match level when the plucky Medvedev netted a forehand. It is his fourth US Open title.

The Australian and French Open champion is the oldest man to win the US Open within the Open period, breaking the report set by 35-year-old Ken Rosewall in 1970.

Roger Federer has retired and Rafa Nadal has introduced his farewell tour subsequent yr and it’s the subsequent technology, led by Alcaraz, who will pose extra of a problem with every new season.

Djokovic had a beneficial run to his thirty sixth Grand Slam remaining – in his 72nd look – however he confirmed he’s nonetheless is extremely motivated to maintain the children of their place by ruthlessly ending 20-year-old Ben Shelton’s run to the final 4 after which stealing his “Hang up the phone” celebration. His quantity now could be 24 and counting.

Asked if he was shocked to succeed in 4 Grand Slam finals at his age after his Shelton win., Djokovic replied: “It probably sounds cocky or arrogant, but I’m not really surprised, because I know how much work and dedication and energy I put into trying to be in this position, so I know that I deserve this. I always believe in myself, in my own capabilities, in my skills, in my quality as a tennis player to be able to deliver when it matters.

“So I’m not really surprised, to be honest with you. Because I feel good. Physically I have been as fit or as prepared, as strong as, I don’t want to say as ever, but, I mean, as good as I have been in the years and years.  

So age is just a number, that phrase is resonating at the moment with me. And, you know, I don’t want to even consider, you know, leaving tennis or thinking about an end if I’m still at the top of the game.

“I just don’t see a reason for that. I will probably consider doing that if I get my ass kicked by young guys in the Grand Slams in the years to come in the earlier stages, and then I’ll probably say: ‘Okay, maybe it’s time to move on’. But so far I still feel that I’m in the game.”

His twenty fourth and newest Grand Slam win proved he was proper.