US Open – Men’s final LIVE: Novak Djokovic chases record 24th singles Grand Slam title in repeat of 2021 final against Daniil Medvedev
Follow Mail Sport’s live blog for updates for all the latest on the US Open final …
Medvedev: 'Djokovic is going to be at his best on Sunday'
Medvedev may have knocked out the defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-final, but he’s not getting carried away ahead of another meeting with Djokovic.
‘I think the only way I can use [the 2021 final] is thinking that Novak, when he loses, he’s never the same after. He’s different. It’s just a different mentality,’ he said.
‘That’s why he has 23 Grand Slams, many Masters 1000s [titles] and weeks at number one.
‘So I have to use it knowing that he’s going to be 10 times better than he was that day, and if I want to still beat him, I have to be 10 times better than I was that day. That’s what I’m going to try to do.
‘Novak is going to be his best version on Sunday, and I have to be the best-ever version of myself if I want to try to beat him.’
A look back at 2021
Djokovic and Medvedev met on this stage two years ago, with the Russian prevailing 6-4,6-4,6-4 to deny Djokovic a calendar Grand Slam.
It remains the Russian’s only Grand Slam title to date and tonight will be the fifth time Medvedev has played in the final of one of the four majors.
Djokovic: 'It's another shot for history'
Djokovic is well aware of what’s at stake tonight in New York.
‘I understand every time in a Grand Slam final, it’s another shot for history,’ he said.
‘I’m aware of it, and of course I’m very proud of it.
‘But I don’t have much time, nor do I allow myself to reflect on these things or think about the history too much.
‘When I did that in the past, like the 2021 final here, I was maybe overwhelmed with the occasion and the opportunity, and I underperformed.
‘I don’t want this to happen again. I’ll try to just focus on what needs to be done and tactically prepare myself for that match.’
Novak Djokovic stands on the brink of history
Novak Djokovic is one win away from a a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title.
The Serbian has won 23 majors, one fewer than Margaret Court’s all-time record.
Djokovic lost in five sets in an epic final against Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon and now has another shot at matching Court’s record.
Good evening!
Good evening and welcome to Mail Sport’s coverage of the US Open final between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev. Coming up we’ll have all the lead-up to the finale from Flushing Meadows and then all the live action.
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