Medvedev says he is “sorry” for depriving Djokovic of his 21st Grand Slam

He’s the man all Nadal and Federer fans secretly cheered on last night in front of their TV sets, though he certainly only delayed the inevitable. Falling without trembling for a second from Novak Djokovic in the final of the US Open, Daniil Medvedev deprived Novak Djokovic both of a 21st Grand Slam, an absolute record in the history of tennis for men, but also and above all of a calendar Grand Slam (Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and US Open) only achieved by Rod Laver in 1969.

“I can’t imagine what he is feeling”

The Russian, transparent in his last final against Djoko in Australia, was almost embarrassed to have ended Djokovc’s historic conquest. “I’m sorry for Novak. I can’t imagine what he is feeling. I don’t know that feeling. But a Grand Slam is a Grand Slam. I would have won it against Botic van de Zandschulp (117th in the world, whom he eliminated in the quarterfinals), I would probably be just as happy. Afterwards, knowing that I have beaten someone who had a record of 27 wins and 0 Major defeats, that will give me even more confidence ”.

It was @DaniilMedwed‘s moment to shine at the #USOpen

Highlights from the men’s singles final ???? pic.twitter.com/hfP58Ilnio

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 12, 2021

A triumph which does not prevent the Russian from thinking that Djokovic is already the greatest player of all time, ahead of Rafa and RodGER. “Yeah, well I’m probably not going to say it again (smile). I said it honestly when I got off the court. I know it can be a little disrespectful to other guys. But I think so ”. Novak’s 21st will be waiting, but not the devil’s treat from Medvedev, one of the circuit’s best customers at a press conference:

“Everything that comes for the first time is special. When I won my first junior tournament, it meant a lot to me. I think when you rehearse something the emotions are a little different, unless it’s to make the story. There I feel a lot of happiness. There I know I have nothing waiting for me in the near future, and I also know how to party. Russians know how to party (smile). I hope I don’t make the headlines. If I do, it’ll be the right way, I promise. But I’m really going to celebrate this! “. Sure Marat Safin must have given him some advice on the matter.

US Open: “Part of me is very sad,” admits Novak Djokovic after his failed Grand Slam