Sports

Djokovic wins record 24th Grand Slam at US Open

Tennis star, Novak Djokovic, made history on Sunday night by winning his fourth US Open and record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title with a straight-sets victory against Daniil Medvedev.

This was after he battled past the Russian 6-3 7-6(7-5) 6-3 to win the US Open and equal Margaret Court’s record haul of 24 Grand Slams.

The victory, his fourth in 10 Flushing Meadows finals, capped another remarkable Grand Slam campaign for Djokovic with wins at the Australian, French, and US Opens.

It also meant he would make a return to the top of the world rankings when they are updated on Monday.

The 36-year-old Serb becomes the oldest US Open men’s winner in the Open Era and the first to win three Grand Slam events in a season for the fourth time.

Djokovic said: “It obviously means the world to me. I’m really living my childhood dream.

“To make the history of this sport is something truly remarkable, it’s hard to describe the words.

READ ALSO: Djokovic beats Alcaraz to win Cincinnati Open for 3rd time

“I had the childhood dream when I was 7, 8, I wanted to become the best player in the world.”

Djokovic has already won more Grand Slams than any man and now shares the overall record with Court.

After clinching his historic title, Djokovic threw his racquet in the air and dropped to his knees as the capacity crowd roared.

He would pick himself up and find his young daughter courtside for an emotional hug.

He then went back to the bench where he pulled out a T-shirt with “Mamba Forever” on the front and the number 24 on the back.

The shirt was a tribute to both his achievement and late friend Los Angeles Lakers great Kobe Bryant, who wore the number throughout much of his all-star career before dying in a helicopter crash.

He added: “I thought of doing this T-shirt, eventually, if I get the chance to win the tournament.

“Kobe was a close friend, we chatted a lot about the winner’s mentality.

“When I was struggling with injury he was one of the people I relied on the most. He was always there for any kind of counsel, advice.

“I thought 24 is the jersey that he wore when he became a legend of Lakers and world basketball.”

The Star

Segun Ojo

Recent Posts

Budget Office: No PFIPC funds released despite appropriation

The Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Tanimu Yakubu, has said no funds…

26 minutes ago

Guardiola turns down Italy coach job, chooses family time

Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has turned down an offer to become the head…

2 hours ago

Jurgen Klopp appointed new Germany coach

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been named the head coach of Germany national team.…

2 hours ago

Former adult film actress sworn in as Colombian senator

Former adult film actress Deyci Alejandra Omaña Ortiz has been sworn in as a senator…

3 hours ago

Motorists stranded as multiple crashes cause gridlock on Lagos-Ibadan expressway

A multiple-vehicle accident involving a Toyota Sienna and two Cabster trucks has caused severe traffic…

4 hours ago

Kano to launch state-owned airline — Gov Yusuf

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has announced plans to establish a state-owned commercial airline as…

4 hours ago

This website uses cookies.