Novak Djokovic won a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title by outlasting Daniil Medvedev in a punishing US Open final in New York.
The 36-year-old Serb won 6-3 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 but the straight-set scoreline does not tell how deep he had to dig.
A comfortable opening set was followed by a brutal second which lasted one hour and 44 minutes.
After the pair exchanged breaks early in the third, Djokovic took control to level Margaret Court’s 50-year record.
“It obviously means the world to me,” said Djokovic on winning his 24th major.
“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.
“I never thought I would be here but the last couple of years I thought I had a shot at history. Why not grab it when it is presented?”
Djokovic also pulled on a T-shirt which paid tribute to NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his friend who was killed in a helicopter crash in 2020 and wore 24 in his playing days.
“Kobe was a close friend, we chatted a lot about the winners’ mentality when I was struggling with injury and trying 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.”
