The 36-year-old, who will also regain the world number one ranking in the ATP next week, triumphed with scores of 6-3, 7-6[5], 6-3, securing his fourth victory in New York and his third major title of the year. He previously won the Australian Open and the French Open.
Djokovic's achievement goes beyond equalling Court's record; he became the oldest male winner of the US Open in the Open Era, and he avenged his 2021 loss to Medvedev in the Flushing Meadows final. Medvedev had displayed incredible skill to eliminate Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals, the same player who had won the 2022 title when Djokovic was absent. However, his performance dipped against Djokovic, who served and volleyed superbly and shed tears of joy before putting on a shirt with the number '24' on the back to mark his historic achievement.
In contrast to their 2021 match, where Medvedev didn't drop a set against Djokovic, this time he struggled with his second serve, particularly in his first service game. Djokovic capitalized on this weakness, breaking Medvedev's serve early in the first set.
Although Djokovic had opportunities to secure the set on Medvedev's serve, the Russian managed to hold on in a tough eighth game. Nonetheless, Djokovic eventually claimed the first set.
The second set featured intense rallies, but Medvedev continued to struggle to break Djokovic's serve. Djokovic held his serve comfortably, earning three consecutive love holds. While Medvedev threatened in his fourth service game, Djokovic demonstrated incredible skill with a delicate forehand half-volley from the service line, saving a break point.
Medvedev had a chance to break Djokovic in the 12th game, with two double faults and a netted slice from Djokovic giving him a set point. However, Djokovic responded with a well-executed serve-and-volley to force a tie-breaker.
Medvedev initially gained an early advantage in the tie-breaker, leading 2-0, but Djokovic quickly countered. The Russian's backhand error on serve helped Djokovic secure the set, moving him closer to the historic win.
During Djokovic's bathroom break, Medvedev received treatment for a shoulder issue. Despite Djokovic's 3-1 lead in the third set, Medvedev broke back immediately. However, a subsequent netted backhand put Djokovic ahead 4-2.
Medvedev managed to hold his serve to stay in the match, and Djokovic's double faults provided the Russian with two points when serving for the championship. Nevertheless, another poor backhand from Medvedev gave Djokovic his first Championship point.
Medvedev attempted a powerful cross-court forehand, but it hit the net, sealing Djokovic's place alongside Court as the Grand Slam record holder. The two players embraced at the net before Djokovic celebrated on the Arthur Ashe court in sheer happiness.
