Djokovic's Grand Slam Record Dream Breaks, Medvedev Wins US Open

Daniil Medvedev (Twitter @ThiemDomi)

JAKARTA - Novak Djokovic's dream of a record 21st major tournament title and a clean sweep of the 2021 calendar year's Grand Slam was dashed after he lost 6-4 6-4 6-4 to Russian Daniil Medvedev in the US Open final on Sunday.

Medvedev, playing in his third major final, finally lifted the Grand Slam trophy and avenged the loss to Djokovic earlier this year in the Australian Open final.

The Serbian is bidding to become the first person in more than half a century to win four major tournaments - Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open - in the same year.

Daniil Medvedev stuns Novak Djokovic in straight sets to win the #USOpen pic.twitter.com/Ksup0ClAEI

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 12, 2021

In the final match, quoted by Antara from Reuters, Djokovic found himself falling into a hole after losing the first set.

However, this time there was no way out as the Russian continued to apply pressure with a streak of aces while giving Djokovic one break.

Medvedev's dominance meant the only little drama at the end of the third set when the Russian was suddenly hit with tension as he tried to close out the match.

Serving at 5-2 Medvedev double-faulted on match point, allowing Djokovic to secure the only break.

After Djokovic held serve to make it 5-4, Medvedev returned to match points and double-faulted again.

But the 25-year-old didn't waste a third chance to win the title.

Djokovic arrived on the Arthur Ashe Stadium pitch with the weight of history on his shoulders.

It was @DaniilMedwed's moment to shine at the #USOpen

Highlights from the men's singles final 👇 pic.twitter.com/hfP58Ilnio

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 12, 2021

While the women's final made history between teenagers Emma Raducanu and Leylah Fernandez - the first Grand Slam women's final to feature two unseeded players - the men's final saw world number one Djokovic meet number two Medvedev.

Earlier, in an interview following his semi-final victory, Djokovic said he would treat the final as if it was the last match of his career but managed to produce the best.

Medvedev is also acutely aware that there is little room in the history books for him if he manages to become the player who shatters Djokovic's dream of sweeping clean and achieving the coveted Grand Slam record.