Novak Djokovic paid tribute to Kobe Bryant as he cliched a 24th Grand Slam title by defeating Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3 in the final of the US Open on Sunday.
The game was a rematch of the 2021 final which Medvedev won in straight sets. Djokovic came into the tournament having been triumphant at the Australian Open and French Open before losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final. It was the third time after 2015 and 2021 the Serbian also reached all four tennis major finals in the same year.
The 36-year-old held the edge in the first set, breaking Medvedev in the second game which paved way to take the set as both players held serve from there. Both players held serve for the entirety of a gruelling second set, although Medvedev had break point in the eighth and 11th game but Djokovic was able to hold despite struggling with what appeared to be cramps. The Serbian held his nerve and won the tiebreak 7-5 with the entire second set lasting for one hour 45 minutes.
That's a lot of hardware. ???? pic.twitter.com/eRPA0vxNMl
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 11, 2023
The third and final set saw three consecutive breaks between the fourth and sixth but Medvedev was the culprit of two which allowed Djokovic to take control of the set that he won in the ninth game.
Djokovic wore a shirt that referenced the number 24 of legend Bryant in celebration of the NBA legend who tragically died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California in January 2020. Djokovic built a close relationship with the Los Angeles Lakers superstar and recalled how they frequently discussed about building a strong mentality.
Novak ???? Mamba mentality pic.twitter.com/6sO80fNASV
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 11, 2023
“I thought by doing the t-shirt… I didn’t share it with anyone until a few days ago,” Djokovic said during the trophy presentation.
“Kobe was a close friend, we chatted a lot about the winners mentality when I was struggling with injury and try to work my way back to the top he was one of the people I relied on the most he was always there for support in the most friendly way.
“His passing hurt me deeply and 24 is the jersey he wore at Lakers so I thought it would be nice to acknowledge him.”
Breaking down 24 titles. ???? pic.twitter.com/gQmoNl5mCw
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 10, 2023
Djokovic’s 24th Grand Slam title sees him extend his streak as the most successful player in men’s tennis. He has also equalled Margaret Court’s record of 24 majors as the joint-most of any gender. Djokovic’s US Open title was his fourth at Flushing Meadows and became the oldest player to win a Grand Slam in the open era.
