US Open: Daniil Medvedev admits he’ll have to produce a ‘best-ever’ performance to beat Novak Djokovic… as New York’s pantomime villain aims for repeat of 2021 final

Daniil Medvedev managed to do something on a tennis court that Carlos Alcaraz never managed at Wimbledon: bring Novak Djokovic to tears.

It was the 2021 US Open final, and as Medvedev overwhelmed him and was about to serve for the match, the Serb cried uncontrollably as the Arthur Ashe Stadium started bellowing encouragement in a way he is not used to.

That evening, Djokovic succumbed not only to the strain of his attempt to complete the calendar’s Grand Slam, but also to the relentless barrage of this clumsy, wayward Russian, whose athletic prowess is perhaps among the most underrated in any sport also belongs.

On Friday, Medvedev denied Flushing Meadows his dream climax of a repeat Wimbledon final against Alacaraz with a performance he described to himself as ’12 out of ten’.

Djokovic’s emotions two years ago – the night after Emma Raducanu’s incredible triumph – partly revealed the neediness that is part of his complex psyche and that makes him such a great champion.

Novak Djokovic burst into tears during 2021 US Open final, but hopes to avenge that result

While everyone wanted to see another showdown against Alcaraz, the crowd’s reaction will be just one fascinating aspect of the final that became a reality.

Medvedev isn’t concerned about playing the pantomime villain here, and after beating the Spaniard he again made sarcastic gestures to the stands in search of acclaim. He has done that more often on the raw Flushing Meadows than the often sensitive Djokovic.

There is obviously a more serious dimension to his relationship with the public at this point, given the terrible events unfolding in Ukraine. The zealously neutral Medvedev, a long-time Cote d’Azur resident, is the first Russian to reach a Major final since the outbreak of war, and for many tennis players the determination to look the other way remains a matter of shame.

Djokovic supports the idea of ​​Russians and Belarusians playing on, and as for shame, at the Australian Open his father was photographed next to a flag with Vladimir Putin’s face on it.

He will attempt to become Grand Slam champion for a 24th time, equaling Margaret Court’s level, and would be the oldest singles winner at the venue.

Medvedev understands the reason why Djokovic is still the greatest, someone for whom Wimbledon was not a symbol of decline this year.

Djokovic had a favorable run to the final, but will nevertheless provide a stern test on Sunday

“He is always better than the last time he plays,” the Russian said. “For example, I beat him in the US Open final (2021); he beat me in (Paris) Bercy in a great match. Carlos beat him at Wimbledon; then Novak defeated him in Cincinnati.

“He’s going to be his best version on Sunday and I have to be the best version of myself ever if I want to try and beat him.”

Djokovic may have had his easiest ever run to a final, with his perennial whipping boy Taylor Fritz the highest-ranked opponent along the way. On Friday he defeated Ben Shelton, ruthlessly mocking the American’s imaginary phone party by pretending to take a call and then hanging up.

Medvedev, an excellent mover at 6-foot-1 with an unorthodox technique who stands far back in the court, is on a different level for both. But the swagger that temporarily let down tomorrow’s opponent in the fifth set of the Wimbledon final is back.

“I think I’m in a very good shape, so I’m happy with my chances,” Djokovic said. “I probably appreciate these opportunities and chances to win another Slam more than a decade ago, because then I thought, ‘Hey, I still have quite a few years ahead of me.’

Carlos Alcaraz was eliminated in four sets by Medvedev on Friday evening in New York

Medvedev survived a 19-point sixth game in the third set to take a 4-2 lead over his opponent

“I don’t know how many I have in front of me now, or I don’t know how many of the years of playing four Slams in the whole season I have in front of me.

‘It probably sounds cocky or arrogant, but I’m not really surprised because I know how much work, dedication and energy I’ve put into trying to be in this position, so I know I deserve this. I always believe in myself, in my quality as a tennis player to be able to perform when it matters.

“So I’m not really surprised, to be honest. Because I feel good. Physically, I have been as fit or as prepared, as strong as I have been in years and years. Age is just a number, that sentence resonates with me at the moment.’

Having refused to take a Covid vaccine, he did not play at this event a year ago as he was denied entry into the country. In 2020 he was disqualified for hitting a line judge with a ball. Now he is on the verge of taking two Grand Slam titles ahead of Rafael Nadal, which would certainly give him a decisive lead.