Djokovic's 2023 US Open title was an announcement of resurgence | Tennis News
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From a Grand Slam the place he was booed off the courtroom in 2019, defaulted in 2020, crashed within the remaining hurdle chasing historical past in 2021 and debarred in 2022, Novak Djokovic walked off with an all-time record-equalling twenty fourth main. For tennis’ statistical GOAT (best of all time) seldom shy of talking his thoughts, the 2023 US Open title was an announcement of resurgence.
That, except for the 36-year-old's tactical dismantling of Russia’s Daniil Medvedev — his dream-destroyer of 2021 — 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3 whereas trudging his weary legs to grow to be the oldest males’s singles champion in New York. Apart from Djokovic, who began the 2018 season on 12 Slams, doubling it in 2023 to match Margaret Court docket’s all-time depend of 24 — partly within the beginner period — and widening his lead over rivals Rafael Nadal (22) and Roger Federer (20). Apart from Djokovic profitable three Slams in a single 12 months for the fourth time in his profession, surpassing Federer (thrice).
The final time the Serb was there, he stood one step in need of a uncommon Slam season sweep final achieved by Rod Laver in 1969. Two years in the past within the remaining on the identical courtroom in opposition to the identical opponent on Sunday, Djokovic sat along with his head buried beneath the towel whereas sobbing nearly uncontrollably after a straight-sets defeat.
The 12 months earlier than that on the US Open, Djokovic was sensationally defaulted after unintentionally hitting a lineswoman with the ball throughout his fourth-round match. Hastened out of Flushing Meadows, the title favorite was stripped of his prize cash and rating factors.
The 12 months earlier than that on the US Open, Djokovic was jeered off Arthur Ashe Stadium after selecting to retire mid-match within the fourth spherical attributable to a shoulder harm. Coming into New York profitable 4 of the earlier 5 majors then, it was a sombre flashback to the early pulling-the-plug days of Djokovic earlier than he would push the health envelope.
The season-ending Slam, Djokovic's least productive the place he misplaced extra finals than received — his final triumph in 2018 was simply the third from 9 finals earlier than Sunday — had become a spot he'd fairly not be. And final 12 months, one the place he wasn’t allowed to be. Similar to the 2022 Australian Open, Djokovic was evaded the 2022 US Open due to his refusal to take the vaccine for Covid-19.
Similar to the 2023 Australian Open, Djokovic returned to the 2023 US Open stamping his foot on the Slam that closed the doorways on him.
“I suppose individuals love comeback tales. I really like them too. They inspire me,” Djokovic stated after beating Medvedev.
“Clearly, totally different circumstances, Australia and right here. I have not performed any match on American soil for 2 years. The final time I used to be right here I misplaced within the remaining to the identical participant I beat right now.”
Djokovic, the person with unparalleled starvation to chart his personal legacy-defining path, can discover motivation anyplace. Even in defeats. And so, shedding to Medvedev two years in the past, he was desperate to right the incorrect on the 2023 US Open. And so, shedding to Carlos Alcaraz two months in the past within the 2023 Wimbledon remaining in a generational battle, he was desperate to seize the baton once more on the 2023 US Open.
“Folks like to speak. There's lots of totally different opinions on the market. It isn't my curiosity to overview who talks or thinks about whether or not there is a passing of the torch occurring or not within the sport," Djokovic stated. “I give attention to what I have to do and the way I can get myself in an optimum state in order that I might win the largest trophies in our sport. That is what I care about.”
And when that doesn't occur — like on the US Open for the final 4 years for these wide-ranging causes — it locations Djokovic in an unfamiliar territory. Requested, subsequently, in March when he was once more denied visa to enter the US to play ATP occasions in Indian Wells and Miami about whether or not he regretted his determination of lacking large tournaments as an alternative of getting jabbed, Djokovic advised CNN, "I've no regrets. I've discovered by life that regrets solely maintain you again and principally make you reside up to now.
"I do not wish to try this. I additionally do not wish to dwell an excessive amount of sooner or later. I wish to be as a lot as within the current second.” Which is that Djokovic, in spite of everything these troubles occasions in New York, is again as a US Open champion.
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