Novak Djokovic admits he did not think ‘dream year’ would go this way

Ewan West 11 Sep 2023 10:42 AM

Novak Djokovic emotional after the 2023 US Open final

Novak Djokovic declared he was “very, very proud” after defeating Daniil Medvedev to win the 2023 US Open and complete a “dream year” at the Grand Slam events.

The 36-year-old, who won three majors and reached the Wimbledon final in 2023, admitted he did not think his season “was going to go that way.”

Djokovic defeated world No 3 Medvedev 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3 in the final at Flushing Meadows on Sunday to claim his fourth US Open crown and first since 2018.

The great Serbian’s triumph saw him secure a record-extending 24th men’s Grand Slam title and also equal Margaret Court’s all-time record tally. He has remarkably reached the final in half of the major events he has played (36 of 72).

Following his victories at the Australian Open and French Open, this is now the fourth year of Djokovic’s career where he has won three of the four majors (after 2011, 2015 and 2021).

It is also the third season where he has reached the final at all four Grand Slam tournaments following 2015 and 2021.

In an interview with Eurosport, Djokovic reacted to his victory over Medvedev, which featured a gruelling one-hour-and-45-minute second set.

“This is going to take some time to settle in. When he missed his last forehand, I was so relieved, honestly. I was just thinking about getting over the finish line because I was so exhausted,” said the 36-year-old.

“The second set was one of the longest sets I have ever played in my life, and I knew he would not go down without a battle. I thought he was probably the better player for most of the second set, and I think that made the difference. It was really anybody’s game in the second set.

“In the third, it was just surviving and trying to get over the line. It was very stressful, but of course. I am very, very proud and this has been a dream year with three out of four Slams and the final at Wimbledon. I did not think it was going to go that way.

“I just managed to find the right play at the right time and stayed aggressive when I had an opportunity – you have to do that against Daniil because he is so good when he has got the rhythm.”

Following his title run in New York, Djokovic has overtaken Carlos Alcaraz to return to the top of the ATP Rankings this week.