Posted on 09/12/2021 4:36:24 PM PDT by Jim W N
It was all supposed to be about Novak Djokovic and the end to a 52-year drought.
Instead, Daniil Medvedev played spoiler in a stunning turn of events, toppling the world number one 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to claim his first Grand Slam title.
Everything was on the line for Djokovic and few expected him to pass up the opportunity.
The chance to record his 21st major title and sit atop of the all-time Slams chase ahead of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
But this final pitch to the summit proved too much. I think the earlier matches and energy it took to win the previous matches to get to the final against three of the top names in tennis right now proved too much for Novak's 34-year-old body and I think as John McEnroe pointed out, Novak's legs just weren't there.
Disappointed but God bless the players and what thrills Novak has given us this year. I don't recall ever praying for a player before, but I found myself praying for Novak. It was a wonderful U.S. Open this year.
He’s better but sometimes he just makes a decision not to win.
This is far more elusive than racing’s Triple Crown. Had no idea.
Watched it, Novack was slaughtered. I felt so bad for him, he’s a decent and likable guy.
You missed a lot. Djokovic has tied Nadal and Federer for most grand slam titles. All three have 20.
Daniil Medvedev simply outplayed the Joker and deserved to win. Making excuses for Novak just minimizes Medvedev’s excellent game plan and execution.
Watch tennis or organize my sock drawer....I choose the latter.
carry on...
Medvedev played a brilliant match, Djokovic at thirty four was tired.. Prior to the match, Medvedev was asked about Djokovic’s opportunity and history to win a Golden Gran Slam. Medvedev answered, I will try to make my own history by being the one to deny Djokovic that honor. (paraphrased) He did.
Novak gave it all he had today. After long-grueling matches earlier this week including a four-set match Friday night, his legs just weren’t there. His heart was there, but his legs weren’t. Too bad, but he gave it all he had.
He deserved to win—he was great. But Djovic was good to, just not as good as usual. He’s 10 years older and, I think, was really tired and too psyched out by the pressure. I think he was really touched by the way NYC crowd rooted for him.
Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic have been the big three for about 20 years.
They are now tied for 20 wins each in major tournaments.
Djokovic at 34 is the youngest of the three and has been ranked #1 for about 300 weeks.
Daniil Medvedev played a great game and is a great champion.
The explanation for Novak’s fatigue is not an “excuse”, it is a fact.
Both Medvedev and Novak were gracious after the match, Novak trying to hold back the tears. I definitely felt for him. I don’t think we’ve seen the last of Novak.
Not sure you saw Djokovic after the match sitting on the bench. He had a towel over his head and was shaking terribly. Got several glimpses of his face and he was sobbing uncontrollably. Thing is, I can’t see any of the “big three”, Djokovic, Nadal or Federer having a golden grand slam year at this point. Djokovic missed a once in a lifetime chance this year. Which leaves us with no one for many years. For the women, Serena has no chance and the only other possibility is Ash Barty down the road.
But this final pitch to the summit proved too much. I think the earlier matches and energy it took to win the previous matches to get to the final against three of the top names in tennis right now proved too much for Novak's 34-year-old body and I think as John McEnroe pointed out, Novak's legs just weren't there.
I just think he was gassed today. It is extremely hard to win a major tennis tournament. Seven matches against increasingly better opponents every round. To win three of these tournaments in one year is a great achievement, for some a career achievement.
That said I was really hoping he would pull it off today. The man is usually a banger, and he hits some incredible shots and never really seems to be out of a match (he came back from two sets down to win the French). But he just didn't have it today. It demonstrates how hard it is to win the calendar grand slam, and despite McEnroe (won three in 1984) and Sampras (never won the French) and Agassi and Nadal (perhaps the greatest clay-court player of all time) and Federer (he didn't do it either), no one has done it since Laver (who did it twice actually) in 1969.
Thank you for a great season Novak Djokovic.
Indeed it was. Was so happy to see the qualifier Raducanu win yesterday.
Serena is done - she will never win another major tournament. The youngsters are not intimidated by her and they are in much better shape, younger and stronger. I never liked her as she often acted like a petulant child, both in winning and losing. I always thought - what do I know? I'm not a coach... - the secret to beating her was to make her run. She will tire out. Easier said than done when she is simply overpowering you though.
Was so happy to see the qualifier Raducanu win yesterday.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++=
I was happy too - she did something very special ... no man/woman has made it to the finals starting as a qualifier ... and then she won the final. I had not seen her play before ... saw the semi-final win & had fingers crossed she’d win it all! I think it was Chrissie who said “from Qualie to Queen!”
Imagine all the work to get to this final today over the course of the year. It was an opportunity for tennis immortality, even general sports immortality and would have really separated him from Nadal and Federer. Not everyone gets to the summit.
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