As Djokovic celebrated his victory, he paid tribute to Kobe Bryant by wearing a “Mamba Forever” shirt bearing the NBA legend’s famous No 24. Bryant, who died in 2020, was a good friend of Djokovic. The champion then embraced his daughter, Tara, who sat courtside during the match.

Djokovic faces Tsitsipas after the Greek world No 4 and the third seed held off a late surge from Karen Khachanov earlier on Friday, recovering to reach his first final in Australia and second grand-slam final overall with a 7-6 (2), 6-4, 6-7(6), 6-3 win. For the third time in his career, Djokovic made it to the finals of all four majors, adding to his victories at the Australian Open in January and French Open in June. He lost in the Wimbledon final to Carlos Alcaraz, whom Djokovic will overtake at No. 1 this week. Alcaraz, the defending champion at Flushing Meadows, was eliminated by No. 3 seed Medvedev in the semifinals.It was clear to see Medvedev had needed to level by taking that second set to stand any real chance of victory and the feeling of the inevitable was heightened by the Russian needing treatment on a shoulder injury before the third set. He's a genius," Ivanisevic said. "He's one of a kind. Not too many people in this world like him, sportwise.

He has won three of the four Grand Slam titles in 2023, becoming the first man to achieve this feat on four occasions. Second seed Djokovic looked physically troubled in that gruelling second set, but showed all the hallmarks of his greatness to win a fourth US Open title. He visibly sobbed while lying on the court at the conclusion of the 3-hour, 16-minute match before running over to his box, which included members of his family, his team and actor Matthew McConaughey. With his win Sunday, Novak Djokovic became the first player in the Open era with 24 Grand Slam championships. Clive Brunskill/Getty Images With his fourth title at Flushing Meadows, Djokovic joined Roger Federer as the only players on the men's side with four or more titles at three different majors.There is a little regret that I didn’t win that Wimbledon final. But, look, in the end of the day, I have so much more to be happier and content with than actually to regret something.” These are the moments and these are the kind of emotions that I motivate myself with every single day when I’m not playing a tournament,” Djokovic said. “Occasionally asking myself: ‘Why do I need this still at this stage after all I have done, you know? How long do I want to keep going?’ I do have these questions in my head, of course.

It was the latest record-setting milestone for Djokovic, who was already atop the men's Slam list and has now moved one major singles title ahead of Serena Williams to become the first player to win 24 in the Open era. Court also collected a total of 24, but 13 of those came before professionals were admitted to the Slam events. I'm really living my childhood dream to compete at the highest level in this sport, which has given me and my family so much from difficult circumstances.Djokovic was dialled in from the start of Sunday's final, playing patiently and precisely to break for a 2-0 lead, with Medvedev looking ragged as he fell 3-0 behind. Very satisfied and pleased to be in another grand slam final,” said Djokovic. “This is exactly what I’ve imagined and hoped that will happen when I came to Australia, with intention to be in a position to fight for another Australian Open trophy.”