US Open 2021: Medvedev labels Djokovic ‘greatest tennis player in history’ after conquering 20-time slam champ

Djokovic was seeking to become just the third man and first since Rod Laver in 1969 to claim all four majors in a year, however, the 20-time slam champion was swept aside by Medvedev 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in Sunday’s final at Flushing Meadows.

Medvedev showed no mercy as the world number two broke through for his first slam title, having lost to Djokovic in the 2021 Australian Open final and Rafael Nadal in the 2019 US Open decider.

US Open: Djokovic sees Grand Slam dream shattered; Medvedev triumphs

As Medvedev celebrated his maiden major crown, the Russian star heaped praise on the beaten and emotional world number one – who shares the record for most men’s slams alongside Nadal and Roger Federer.

“I think it’s the first time I’m so nervous, saying my speech,” Medvedev said during his trophy presentation in New York.

“First of all I want to say sorry for you, the fans, and Novak because I mean, we, we all know what he was going for today.

“What you accomplished this year and throughout your career – I never said this to anybody, but I will say right now for me: You are the greatest tennis player in history.”

The moment @DaniilMedwed did the unthinkable. pic.twitter.com/rucHjhMA63

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 12, 2021

Medvedev became the first Russian man to win a grand slam since Marat Safin in 2005 on a memorable night.

The 25-year-old also became the ninth different men’s champion of the last 14 years in New York, including first-time major winners Dominic Thiem, Marin Cilic, Andy Murray and Juan Martin del Potro. During the same time, the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon have each been claimed by four different men.

Medvedev – the second player since Ivan Lendl in 1987 to lose just one set en route to the men’s US Open crown after Nadal in 2010 – is the fifth player to clinch a slam final against Djokovic.

“He is also the fourth player with four or more wins over Djokovic as world number one, after Nadal (nine), Federer (five) and Murray (five).

“Last but not least, I want to I want to finish my speech on a very sweet note. It’s the third anniversary for me and my wife today,” Medvedev added.

“You know, during the tournament I couldn’t think of a present or anything, so when I went in the final, after semis, I thought okay if I lose, I need to find a present fast. … I thought, well, if I lose, I have no time to have a present, so I have to win this match.”