Move over Margaret Court, you’ve got company.
Exactly 50 years to the day after Court won her 24th major title, Novak Djokovic has tied her atop the all-time standings
Move over Margaret Court, you’ve got company.
Exactly 50 years to the day after Court won her 24th major title at the U.S. Open in 1973, Novak Djokovic has tied her atop the all-time standings with his 24th Grand Slam crown — further solidifying his status as the GOAT of men’s tennis.
His 24 is one more than Serena Williams, two more than Rafael Nadal and four more than Roger Federer.
The 36-year-old Serb and No. 2 seed fought off fatigue and a sore right shoulder to win a slugfest with No. 3 seed and 2021 champion Daniil Medvedev, 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3, closing it out on match point when Medvedev smacked a forehand into the net. Soon he donned a blue “Mamba Forever” T-shirt with a picture of himself and Kobe Bryant.
Djokovic became the oldest U.S. Open men’s champion in history while winning his fourth crown in New York alongside six losses in the final. He has won three of the four majors in 2023, and will return to No. 1 in the world on Monday.
Djokovic’s win came in front of some 24,000 fans in Arthur Ashe Stadium, including Leo DiCaprio, Justin Timberlake, Matthew McConaughey, Sting, Jerry Seinfeld and Christie Brinkley.
“To make the history of this sport is something truly remarkable and special…it’s hard to describe in words,” he said. “I had a childhood dream when I was 7 or 8. I wanted to become the best player in the world and win the Wimbledon trophy — that was the only thing I wanted.
