2023-09-09 08:56:29
The former winner from Russia surprisingly defeated the young Spanish star Alcaraz in the semi-finals on Friday evening (local time) with 7:6(3),6:1,3:6,6:3. Previously, Djokovic had prevailed quite confidently once morest the American Ben Shelton with 6:3.6:2.7:6(4).
By winning a high-class match lasting 3:19 hours, Medvedev reached his third US Open final and wants his second Grand Slam title in New York following 2021. At that time, the now 27-year-old won the final once morest Djokovic thus missed the triumph at all Grand Slams in one year. “The challenge will be to beat a guy who has 23 Grand Slam titles and I only have one,” Medvedev said before the tournament’s showdown.
Djokovic can win his fourth US Open title on Sunday and become the oldest New York champion in the history of professional tennis. “These are the matches in environments that inspire me to wake up every day and work as hard as the boys,” Djokovic said. “Another Grand Slam final – I mightn’t be happier.” Unlike the recent defeat at Wimbledon, it will not be once morest Alcaraz, whom he will replace as number one in the world rankings following the tournament.
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100. Djokovic-Match bei den US-Open
In his 100th US Open match, Djokovic successfully countered Shelton’s aggressive style of play and made use of his experience. The 20-year-old American managed to win spectacular points, but he also made too many easy mistakes. In addition, Djokovic had the right answer in the decisive phases, even if he weakened at times towards the end of the third round. He conceded two breaks, had to fend off a set point from Shelton and still kept his nerve in the tiebreak. After 2:40 hours, Djokovic converted his second match point.
The Serb then imitated Shelton’s typical cheer. He held his right hand to his ear with his thumb and little finger apart and then hung up the imaginary phone. “I just love Ben’s celebration,” Djokovic said. “I thought it was very original and I copied it.” US media interpreted the gesture as meaning that Djokovic wanted to mock his opponent. “When I was a child, I learned that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” said Shelton.
“Another chance to make history”
In the final, Djokovic has the chance to extend his title record for men’s tennis and also draw level with Australia’s Margaret Court, who has the most women’s Grand Slam triumphs (24). For Djokovic it is his 36th final at a major, which puts him well ahead of Roger Federer (31st) in the men’s category. “Every time I’m in a Grand Slam final, it’s another chance to make history and I’m aware of that. Of course I’m very proud of it. But I don’t have much time and I don’t allow myself to “Think regarding these things,” explained the 36-year-old.
It will be Medvedev’s fifth Grand Slam final. In the balanced first set, he and Alcaraz showed tennis at the highest level. In front of more than 23,000 spectators, including stars such as football legend Tom Brady, Oscar winner Jared Leto and basketball giant Kevin Durant, both delivered numerous spectacular rallies that thrilled the fans.
Medvedev more consistent in the tiebreak
Medvedev was more consistent in the tiebreak. After losing the set, Alcaraz seemed shocked and immediately conceded the first break of the game to make it 0-2. Medvedev played almost perfectly; the Russian only made three slight errors in the entire third set. But Alcaraz didn’t give up and fought his way back into the game. When the Spaniard managed the break to make it 3-1 in the third round, star Alex Reed Brady enthusiastically clapped with those sitting next to him.
But Medvedev didn’t let the loss of the set upset him and used his fourth match point. “I said before that I had to play (at the level) 11 out of 10 – and I played 12 out of 10,” the Russian said. “It was a great match, I’m very happy to be here once more on Sunday.” Alcaraz, however, was disillusioned. “I’m not mature enough to handle these types of matches,” said the Spaniard. “That’s why I have to learn from it and find solutions. I want to get better, and games like this help you grow a lot.”
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