Djokovic Admits Medvedev 'Deserved To Win Second Set' After Winning US Open

| by Sebastian Dahlman

Novak Djokovic was very respectful to his opponent after the 2023 US Open final, admitting that Daniil Medvedev should have won the second set.

Novak Djokovic won his 24th Grand Slam trophy at the 2023 US Open by beating Daniil Medvedev in the final. The win officially returns him to number one in the rankings on the ATP Tour, even though we've known that was bound to happen for a while now.

Speaking after the match, Djokovic praised Medvedev for his efforts, explaining that the win didn't come easy, even if it was a straight sets win. After all, it was his return to New York after the entry ban last year, so overcoming that wasn't easy.

I wouldn't say probably was easy. Easier comparing to what exactly, we don't know, because I don't think too many players were in that position.

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About the match itself, Djokovic mostly talked about the second set which was the crucial one. Medvedev pushed strongly and had a set point but failed to convert it allowing Djokovic to escape with the set. In his mind, Medvedev deserved that one.

What probably made the difference and the key of the match was second set, almost two hours. I don't think I have ever played a longer set in my life, particularly not on this occasion against a top player like Daniil.

Yeah, I think he was probably a better player in the second set. He deserved to win that set more than I did. Somehow I managed to turn things around in the tiebreak. When it mattered I put one ball into play more than he did. And that was enough.

In the end, the Russian went empty-handed, and Djokovic lifted the trophy, and it's great to see the rivals respecting each other and giving each other credit for their performance.

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