SCORE
Novak Djokovic's quest for the coveted Calendar Slam was foiled by a clinical and composed Daniil Medvedev who wrapped up the match in two hours and 16 minutes.
The world number two never let it feel that he was up against the world champion who has three major titles under his belt this year and is on a 27-match winning streak in Grand Slam tennis.
Going about his work with precision, Medvedev made Djokovic work hard for points even on the latter's serve, capitalised on early break points and backed it up with his ruthless serve.
As Daniil Medvedev finally gets his hands on a Grand Slam trophy, Rod Laver' is still the last player to win the Calendar Slam, and Djokovic is still tied with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at 20 major titles.
WHAT THEY SAID
Daniil Medvedev: First of all, I think it's the first time I'm so nervous saying my speech. I'm sorry for you fans, we all know what he was going for today and I just want to say that you've accomplished this year and throughout your career, I never said this to anybody, but I'll say it right now. For me you're the greatest ever tennis player in the history.
I want to finish my speech on a very sweet note. It's the third anniversary for me and my wife today. During the tournament I couldn't think of a present or anything, so I when I went to the final after the semis, I thought if I lose I need to find a present fast. When I won (the semifinal), I thought if I lose I have no time to find a present so I have to win this match.
Novak Djokovic : I would like to start off by saying, congratulations to Daniil. Amazing match, amazing tournament. If there's anyone who deserves the Grand Slam title right now, it is you. So, well done. You're one of the greatest guys on the tour. We get along very well. I wish you many more Grand Slams, many more Majors to follow. I'm sure you'll be on this stage in the future again.
Tonight, even though I have not won the match, my heart is filled with joy and I'm the happiest man alive. Because you guys made me feel very special. You guys touched my soul. I've never felt like this in New York.
Djokovic 4-6 Medvedev: And tennis has a new champion as Medvedev brings it home as Djokovic finds the net. Medvedev got a little nervy as he double faulted on championship point, but didn't let that cost him too dearly.
Djokovic 4-5 Medvedev: The world champion refuses to go down without a fight as he holds his serve.
Djokovic 3-5 Medvedev: Medvedev is broken for the first time as the excitement seems to have got to him. He double faults to give Djokovic the advantage and then finds the net to concede his first serve.
Djokovic 2-5 Medvedev: Djokovic takes the game with a couple of strong serves. But Medvedev is unflustered as he gets ready to serve for the championship.
Djokovic 1-5 Medvedev: Djokovic's attempted comeback with a strong cross-court winner is thwarted by an ace and then a couple of unforced errors by the Serb.
Djokovic 1-4 Medvedev: Djokovic finally gets off the mark in the third set with a series of strong serves that Medvedev finds hard to return. But this is probably too little too late.
Djokovic 0-4 Medvedev: It's the same story again as the Russian breezes past with his serve.
Djokovic 0-3 Medvedev: Djokovic is broken again as Medvedev gets closer to his maiden title. The Serb tries to recover from 0-30 but Medvedev proves to be too tenacious.
Djokovic 0-2 Medvedev: Some deft net play sees Medvedev hold his serve.
Djokovic 0-1 Medvedev: Medvedev comes from 0-30 to break Djokovic again.
THIRD SET
Djokovic 4-6 Medvedev: And that's the set for the Russian. With three set points at 40-0, Djokovic tries to come back into the set and look for a break. But Medvedev is relentless with his aces and a stellar return to a cheeky Djoko drop shot.
Djokovic 4-5 Medvedev: Djokovic holds but Medvedev inches closer to a second set. The inability to hold his serve with ease seems to be taking a toll on the world number 1.
Djokovic 3-5 Medvedev: Without giving any opportunity to sneak in a break, Medvedev holds his serve while making Djokovic stretch his limits, quite literally.
Djokovic 3-4 Medvedev: Djokovic holds his nerves after surviving a brief scare.
Djokovic 2-4 Medvedev: Ruthless Medvedev continues his dominance with the serve, holding to love once again.
Djokovic 2-3 Medvedev: And Medvedev breaks again! Djokovic seems a little leaden-footed and seems to be finding the net or hitting long too often.
Djokovic 2-2 Medvedev: Djokovic once again misses out on an opportunity to break the Russian. He smashes his racquet after sending one long and receives a racquet abuse warning.
Djokovic 2-1 Medvedev: After surviving a scare, Djokovic recovers from a break point. Running to the net in the middle of long rallies and dropping it short seems to be working for the Serb.
Djokovic 1-1 Medvedev: Medvedev stages an incredible comeback after conceding three break points. Djokovic misses out on a crucial opportunity and hits his legs with his racquet in frustration.
Djokovic 1-0 Medvedev: Djokovic comes back strong in the second set to hold to love and go 1-0.
SECOND SET
Djokovic 4-6 Medvedev: Serving cannot be made to look easier as Medvedev spears in two aces to take the first set. Djokovic has now lost five consecutive first sets at the US Open 2021.
Djokovic 4-5 Medvedev: Djokovic holds his serve with two tactful drop shots.
Djokovic 3-5 Medvedev: The Russian makes serving look ridiculously easy as he holds to love for the second time today.
Djokovic 3-4 Medvedev: Djokovic holds his serve and seems to have shaken off the apparent jitters that appeared initially.
Djokovic 2-4 Medvedev: Clean service game for Medvedev as he concedes just one point. An entertaining rally ensues for the last point with Medvedev at the net and Djokovic returning two smashes.
Djokovic 2-3 Medvedev: Djokovic seems to have found his rhythm with the serve as he holds to love.
Djokovic 1-3 Medvedev: Medvedev steams in two aces and two winners to take the game in just over a minute.
Djokovic 1-2 Medvedev: And Djokovic shows just why he is No.1. After conceding a double break point, the Serb comes back strong with a winner, a fiery smash and two consecutive aces to wrap up the game and get off the mark.
Djokovic 0-2 Medvedev : The Russian is looking confident and holds his serve easily.
Djokovic 0-1 Medvedev : Djokovic is broken right at the outset after a flurry of unforced errors and a double fault. Djokovic has lost his first set on four out of six occasions at the tournament this year.
And Medvedev earns a break point.
Djokovic double faults and it's 15-15. Both players seem a little nervous as there's a palpable tension in the air.
Novak Djokovic to serve first.
Both finalists have taken to the court at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, and the crowd cannot contain itself.
Well, even technology agrees that this could be a never-seen-before clash!
With the most-awaited tennis contest of the year set to begin in a few minutes, who are you betting on?
Djokovic at the threshold of history
History is at stake at Flushing Meadows as Novak Djokovic eyes a record 21st Grand Slam title and a calendar Slam that has eluded the greatest tennis players since Rod Laver won the four major titles in 1969.
After the Serb's prospects of keeping alive the chances of a Golden Slam (four Grand Slams + Olympic gold) came crashing in Tokyo Olympics after a semifinal loss against Alexander Zverev, Djokovic will be keen to ward off such a slip in his bid for the Calendar Slam at the US Open final.
READ: Djokovic bids for history at US Open: Year Slam, 21st major
NUMBERS GAME
ROAD TO THE FINAL
Novak Djokovic
Daniil Medvedev
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