Tearful Novak Djokovic explains how six-year-old daughter helped him win US Open
Novak Djokovic had the proper courtside coach to assist encourage him to his fourth US Open title on Sunday night – his six-year-old daughter. The legendary Serb, who regained his standing as world No. 1 on Monday, collected a record-equalling twenty fourth Grand Slam title after beating third seed Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 in a contest that was extra gruelling than the straights units outcome suggests.
The 36-year-old wanted to dig deep to see off his Russian opponent, notably within the second set, which he finally edged on a tie-break. But talking after his historic triumph, Djokovic defined how his daughter Tara had been his ‘inspiration’ all through the competition.
He instructed Eurosport: “I was watching her the entire match. She showed me the fist pump. She is only six years old, and in exactly the moments when I needed to have this playfulness and this joy and to relax a little bit in high stress – particularly in the second set – she looked at me and she gave me this energy.
“I really like her a lot, and to have her, my spouse, my son [Stefan] and my mother and father. This is their trophy as properly.”
Soon after winning the match Djokovic celebrated by inviting his young daughter onto the court. The number two seed was tearful as she was passed into his arms and he held her tightly.
But there were no tears from Tara, who instead offered a beaming smile, much to the delight of the congregation.
Djokovic’s 24th slam equals the record set by the Australian Margaret Court before the advent of the Open era, but perhaps more significantly moves him two ahead of rival Rafael Nadal, who is now close to retirement.
The win was also a demonstration of the Serb’s resilience, having bounced back from losing the Wimbledon closing to Carlos Alcaraz in July.
Having already gained the Australian and French Opens this season, Djokovic instructed the group on the Arthur Ashe Stadium: “It clearly means the world to me. I’m dwelling my childhood dream to compete on this sport on the high.
“To make history of this sport is truly remarkable and special. I never thought I would be talking about 24 Slams but last couple of years I thought I had a shot.”
Djokovic missed final 12 months’s US Open as a result of strict guidelines for people who usually are not vaccinated towards Covid-19. But with these measures now relaxed, he was capable of make a triumphant return this 12 months, reversing his 2021 defeat by the hands of Medvedev within the course of.