07:25 PM
How does Djokovic follow Raducanu?
It has to take something special to upstage Djokovic going for a calendar grand slam, and a record 21st major. But nearly everyone in New York and in tennis circles is still talking about Emma Raducanu’s fairy tale victory last night.
Here’s everything you need to know about the teenager’s dream win, and how the world has reacted.
07:17 PM
Head-to-head
As is the case with most of his head-to-heads, Djokovic has the edge over today’s rival, winning five of their eight meetings.
Their last battle came back in the Australian Open final in January, when Djokovic needed just one hour and 53 minutes to demolish Medvedev in straight sets 7-5, 6-2, 6-2.
The Russian’s last win over the top seed came in the round robin stages of the ATP Finals in London last year, while Cincinnati (hard court) and Monte Carlo (clay) both in 2019 were the scene of Medvedev’s other successes.
“It’s going to be a battle… he’s already had couple of Grand Slam finals behind him. I think experience-wise it’s different for him now,” Djokovic said.
Medvedev, meanwhile, says he will just try and stick to his game plan and won’t let the occasion get the better of him – even if winning comes with an added bonus.
“If I can make this, I’ll probably be in the history books for not letting him do this. But I don’t really care… it affects him.”
07:05 PM
Djokovic in pursuit of double slice of history
The world’s top two men’s players meet in tonight’s US Open final chasing their own piece of history.
While Novak Djokovic is one victory from a calendar grand slam, and a historic 21st major, across the net will be a certain Russian in Daniil Medvedev striving to secure a maiden grand slam.
Victory tonight would make Djokovic only the third man after Don Budge (1938) and Rod Laver (1962 and 1969) to sweep all four majors in the same year. Medvedev, meanwhile, will be hoping it is a case of third time lucky in a major final.
Djokovic has had a sticky path to the final than in previous years gone by, losing the opening set in his last three matches before roaring back each time (in typical Djokovic fashion) to come out on top. His most recent coming in his semi-final ding-dong with fourth seed Alexander Zverev.
There is more than just the calendar grand slam at play, with the 34-year-old tantalisingly close to landing a record 21st major to move past Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal.
“I know we want to talk about history. I know it’s on the line,” Djokovic said. “I’m going to treat this match as it’s my last one because it’s arguably the most important one of my career.”
Medvedev, on the other hand, has cruised to the final, dropping just one set and putting on an exhibition of brutal tennis that has seen him emerge as the one of the most exciting prospects on tour.
“The more you lose something, the more you want to win it… I lost two finals. I want to win the third one,” said the Russian, who came up short against Nadal in New York in 2019 and was beaten by Djokovic in the Australian Open final this year.
The Serb did not have much trouble seeing off Medvedev in straight sets at Melbourne Park in January, but the 25-year-old looks a more seasoned competitor now, having previously unsettled Djokovic with his intensity.