Ever since the release of the men’s singles draw, it seemed like Novak Djokovic had a clear path to another U.S. Open final, potentially setting up a rematch with Carlos Alcaraz, the finalist of this year’s Wimbledon. However, the men’s final will not feature Djokovic and Alcaraz. Instead, Daniil Medvedev of Russia, who defeated Alcaraz in four sets on Friday night, will face Djokovic on Sunday afternoon for the championship. This sets up a rematch of the 2021 U.S. Open final, which Medvedev won, denying Djokovic his chance at a calendar Grand Slam that year. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming match on Sunday:
Different paths to the final
On paper, it may appear that Djokovic easily cruised through the tournament without dropping a set in five of his six matches. However, he faced tough opponents along the way. In the third round, Djokovic encountered a challenge when he lost the first two sets to Laslo Djere, a fellow Serbian. Djokovic managed to make a comeback and secure the victory, finishing the match around 1:30 a.m.
In the quarterfinals, Djokovic faced Taylor Fritz, the highest-ranked American man, and in the semifinals, he took on Ben Shelton, a rising young American player.
Medvedev’s journey to the final was slightly more challenging compared to Djokovic. Two of Medvedev’s matches went to four sets, including the second-round match against Christopher O’Connell and the fourth-round match against Alex de Minaur.
Medvedev’s toughest test came in the semifinals against Alcaraz. After a tiebreaker in the first set, Medvedev dominated the second set with a 6-1 victory. Although Alcaraz won the third set, he couldn’t gain further momentum, ultimately sending Medvedev to the final.
Medvedev’s spoiler role in 2021
This won’t be the first U.S. Open final between Medvedev and Djokovic. Two years ago, Djokovic aimed to complete the calendar Grand Slam after winning the Australian Open, the French Open, and Wimbledon in the same year. However, Medvedev prevented Djokovic’s historic achievement by winning the 2021 U.S. Open final in straight sets.
During that match, Djokovic displayed emotions rarely seen from him, covering his face with a towel and appearing to cry and shake during the third set. It was evident how much completing the calendar Grand Slam meant to him.
Medvedev, speaking about Djokovic’s ability to improve after losses, anticipates a tougher final this year.
“When he loses, he’s never the same after,” Medvedev said, referring to the 2021 final. “He’s going to be 10 times better than he was that day, and I have to be, if I want to still beat him, 10 times better than I was that day.”
Head-to-head statistics
Djokovic and Medvedev have faced each other 14 times, with Djokovic holding the edge with nine victories. Their most recent encounter was in Dubai in March, where Medvedev came out on top with a 6-4, 6-4 win.
Although Medvedev spoiled Djokovic’s Grand Slam hopes in 2021, he acknowledged that facing Djokovic won’t be easy.
“Novak is going to be his best version on Sunday,” Medvedev said. “And I have to be the best-ever version of myself if I want to try to beat him.”
Djokovic’s quest for No. 24
Whenever Djokovic reaches a Grand Slam final, the possibility for history to be made arises. With 23 Grand Slam titles, Djokovic has surpassed Rafael Nadal’s 22 and Roger Federer’s 20.
With Federer retired and Nadal absent due to injury, Djokovic has the opportunity to further distance himself from his counterparts in the Big Three of men’s tennis. However, Djokovic stated on Friday night that he hasn’t focused too much on the numbers.
“I’m aware of it, and of course I’m very proud of it,” he said. “But again, I don’t have much time nor do I allow myself to reflect on these things.”
Djokovic recalled the weight of historical expectations when he lost the 2021 U.S. Open final and expressed his determination not to let that happen again.
“I’ll try to just focus on what needs to be done and tactically prepare myself for that match,” he said.
Keep an eye on Medvedev’s return position
Those who have been closely following players like Frances Tiafoe, Carlos Alcaraz, and Ben Shelton during this tournament may wonder why Daniil Medvedev stands so far back from the baseline while returning serves. Despite the potential disadvantage, Medvedev strategically positions himself to give more time and a stronger positioning advantage during the point itself. By starting far behind the baseline, he ensures forward movement as the point progresses.
However, this strategy also has its drawbacks. By standing far back, Medvedev leaves more open court space and allows opponents more time to position themselves advantageously for their subsequent shots after the serve.
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