2021 US Open Final - [1] Novak Djokovic vs. [2] Daniil Medvedev

[Vamos Rafa Nadal]

Medvedev has had an easy draw he won’t be ready for Novak’s level. Today Felix was outplaying him in the second and a qualifier took a set off him in the quarter finals. He’s definitely beatable

Djokovic can win, of course! But it is clear that you have a pro-Djokovic bias and I admit to not wanting him to win on Sunday. There is lots of evidence that Medvedev can win on Sunday. Djokovic wound up having an easy draw too - until the semis - because the players that have defeated him over the past year did not make it far enough or were injured and didn't play at all in this tournament. Djokovic dropped SIX sets, four of them to lesser level players, and two to a player at the top level of the game (Zverev). Felix outplayed him for a few games and lost the set and lost the match in 3 sets. Medvedev can win on Sunday, period.

 

[the tennis oracle]

Djoko will run out of gas. Medvedev in five.

 

[Nostradamus]

Djoko will run out of gas. Medvedev in five.

Agree,, novak did hurt his back and he was grabbing it alot,,, probably will give out on sunday

 

[Halba]

Novak's time on court has to catch up with him eventually, right? +5.5 hours than Medvedev, about +2 hours than at AO, where he got an extra day of rest.

No. This is actually a good thing. Played into form. He didn’t have any matches going in.

 

[Halba]

He's NOT ordinary man. Just STOP. Djokovic is GOAT. He is producing performances that defy age, logic, laws of the Universe by his unparalleled excellence.
Zverev played one of the BEST matches of his life, laid his bones out there, and STILL lost.
Just accept the simple fact: Novak is TOO GOOD.. Tip your hat to him and life would be easier.
Instead of criticizing next gen incessantly, let's please try to acknowledge how GREAT Novak is. There's NEVER been a tennis player as good as he is and there NEVER will be.

He played a joke of a fifth though. 2 points from a bagel. Federer he ain’t. Atleast fed took it to Djokovic deep into 5 sets in Wimbledon. And Djokovic was a much better player then.

 

[Pandaman]

[

Agree,, novak did hurt his back and he was grabbing it alot,,, probably will give out on sunday

When was that? Was it for prolonged periods of time? I saw Miljan stretch him out before the match and he grimaced a bit.

 

[Nostradamus]

[

When was that? Was it for prolonged periods of time? I saw Miljan stretch him out before the match and he grimaced a bit.

it will tighten up against Daniil,,, he will probably last 2 sets max

 

[Pheasant]

Djokovic will carve Medvedev up. He doesn’t have the big serve like Zverev and he stands too far back. Djoker will win in 3 easy sets to win the CYGS.

 

[RokasLTU]

[

 

[galain]

Idk how much djokovic has left but i think he just got through his toughest opponent. I think he matches up well with a guy like Medvedev

Agree with this. He anticipates so well the best chance of beating him is if a player can hit through him even though he knows where the ball is going. Stan is the only one who really did this well a few years back. Zverev had the game to do this but couldn't. Medvedev will need to outlast and outsteady him, and I can't see that happening.

 

[btsjungkook]

Djokovic had to face 2 top-8 seeds though. Berrettini (6) who ONLY lost to him this year in slam, and Zverev (4) who is the 2nd best player in the world since the clay season, and who hadn't lost a match since Wimbledon. I don't think ANYONE else would've had the last word against this Zverev. In comparison, Medvedev had a qualifier in 1/4, and 2 non top-10 seeds including one who was playing his first slam 1/2. Djokovic also played Nishikori who was easily top-15 in this match, whereas Medvedev got a 35 years old clay specialist (Andujar). In Round 1 Djokovic faced a teenager who was on a winning streak of 14 matches. Rune > Gasquet, Nishikori > Andujar, Berrettini > Zandschulp and Zverev > Auger-Aliassime. Technically, only Medvedev's 4th Round was tougher (Evans > Brooksby) and maybe the 2nd match (Grieekspoor vs Koepfer... debatable, though since Griekspoor took out Struff). So, Medvedev dropping 1 set is a bit misleading IMO. He was only a few points away from dropping 2 sets against a qualifier in 1/4. And today he was down 2-5 + 3 sets points on Auger's serve at 5-3. FAA choked big time IMO. Much like Sinner in the 3rd set tie-break or Harris in his 1st set.
"Medvedev has been playing better all tournament" Debatable. In the last 2 matches, I thought Djokovic played reached a higher level. Do you really believe Medvedev played better than Djokovic's last 3 sets vs Berrettini and the last 4 sets today?

To answer the poll.. Djokovic SLIGHTLY favorite for me. Physical recuperation MAY be a factor, sure. But we saw what happened in Australia. Djokvic also dropped sets in 4 different matches (Medvedev only in 1 match) and he still won in 3. In Roland, the SF vs Nadal was just as difficult as the SF today, Tsitsipas was a lot fresher and we saw what happened. He has now 2 days to recover, he'll be ready. This is a unique opportunity to make the greatest achievement in tennis history. He won't let fatigue ruin his chances, in my opinion.
One thing that could play in Medvedev's favor is the pressure for the Calendar Slam. The pressure was huge since the 1st round here, but it'll be 10x higher in final? It's the one thing that may derail Djokovic if he gets close to winning. We'll see how he handles it.
Based on the level of Djokovic/Zvererv's match + the last Djokovic/Medvedev match, it's 60-40 for me.
I wouldn't bet my house on this, but if I had to choose something, it'd be Djokovic in 4.

This. I feel that Brooksby played Novak into a better form to deal with Berrintini and Zverev.

 

[UnforcedTerror]

No words

 

[Dominic & Andrey]

Zverev had the potential offensiveness, the powerful baseline game that Daniil doesn't have, and still lost. Medvedev is not winning this, his game is a nightmare for 98% of the tour but not for Novak

 

[Technology Ruined Tennis]

Unless his toenails act up, it's over kids.

 

[McGradey]

Medvedev plays quite well and loses in 4

Tbh I feel Medvedev could play the match of his life and it won’t matter; Djokovic simply will not let him win.

 

[PrinceMoron]

Djokovic will lose his mind and the match
Goran will disappear into the sunset
Srdan will say something that will cause an international incident with Russia

 

[junior74]

Medvedev knows his place. A polite bend over in straights is to be expected.

 

[ChrisRF]

Medvedev is not intimidated by Djokovic.

Yes, but only for one reason: He knows before the match that he will lose and accepts it. Djokovic is his idol and Medvedev will be happy for him to take the CYGS and also be proud that he himself was part of that historic moment. And yet he will try everything he can, but he just knows it can never be enough.

The whole trophy ceremony will be one big worship where Medvedev will play his part like in Australia. I bet he already has his speech ready.

 

[3loudboys]

I don't like this matchup for Med. I think he is at a disadvantage against Djokovic.

Everyone is to be fair, Novak in a different league to everyone in bo5.

 

[Nadal_King]

Djokovic clear favourite but if Medvedev can hang in rallies and make Djokovic play long rallies anything us possible since history will be on the line on Sunday and pressure wise Djokovic will feel it the most then

 

[Cortana]

The CYGS would end the GOAT debate forever, but I don't think that Djokovic needs it. He'll probably win AO 2022 and Wimbledon 2022 anyway.

If Med wins this, he'll fully deserve it. I wouldn't be that disappointed.

 

[Hitman]

What a showdown in the final on Sunday.

 

[gameovais]

Medvedev is 2 and Djokovic 2/5 according to the odds, there's no way that stays like that. I would definitely have it closer maybe something like 6/4 and 4/7.

Berrettini followed by Zverev, he's definitely battle hardened. He has seen some of the hardest serves, FHs and BHs in the game and outlasted them in all manner of points and raised his game towards the end that neither could live with. Interesting final.

 

[aman92]

Medvedev is 2 and Djokovic 2/5 according to the odds, there's no way that stays like that. I would definitely have it closer maybe something like 6/4 and 4/7.

Berrettini followed by Zverev, he's definitely battle hardened. He has seen some of the hardest serves, FHs and BHs in the game and outlasted them in all manner of points and raised his game towards the end that neither could live with. Interesting final.

Medvevev's only chance is to make this a gridnfest.. Just keep the ball in play and use his youth and lesser time on court to wear Novak down. I know Djokovic seemingly never tires, but even has to have his limits... And with history beckoning, nerves might come to play at crucial points. But Med needs to serve lights out for the entirety of the match

 

[Halba]

Zverev had the potential offensiveness, the powerful baseline game that Daniil doesn't have, and still lost. Medvedev is not winning this, his game is a nightmare for 98% of the tour but not for Novak

Is there any player that’s been a nightmare for Djokovic at slams? Only peak Nadal on clay and possibly peak Nadal in us open. Wawrinka he has long matches but never a nightmare. But that applied to 100% of the tour then for Nadal.

 

[Deleted member 781975]

Acording to the ITF for the 2nd quarter of 2021 there were zero blood samples collected (same with the 1st), for antidoping control. In 2020 it was also low in part due to covid restrictions, but most sports have come back to normal, not tennis. Let that sink in.
I vote Med in 3 or djoker in 4 or 5 vs a breathless russian.

 

[Vamos Rafa Nadal]

I was looking up Medvedev's stats and for some reason they were available for every match except his second round match with Andujar? I searched all over for the stats to that match but he won that match easily. So I only have stats for his 5 other matches but they show that he is averaging less than 3 break points against him in his matches, he is serving an average of 70% first serves, winning an average of 83% of them, and over 60% of his second serves, he has broken serve 36 times and had at least 24 more break points beyond that, he has had zero tiebreaks. These are incredibly impressive stats. I know Djokovic fans will do what they always do, try to punch holes in his extraordinary achievement during this tournament, but the point is that Medvedev is playing at a level in which he can win. (I can hear it now: "but Djokovic can walk on water and will win anyway despite the fact that he has been on the court longer, played far less well than Medvedev, faces far more break points, served far less well, and besides Medvedev hasn't been tested - blah blah blech!).

This USO will be the greatest tournament ever if Djokovic loses. The transitional tournament away from the big 3 era that tennis needs right now.

 

[Gazelle]

Novak got through his biggest test, Zverev. I don't want him to win but I'm not that desperate to put any hope in a Discount Murray.

 

[Jonas78]

Djokovic wins. Only one with a chance was Zverev imo. Even if he gets in position to win, Med cant handle the pressure im afraid.

 

[TheAssassin]

Well this is it. Fourth Slam final this season and now a fourth "question mark" regarding Djokovic. First one was the mid tournament injury in Melbourne, he battled through that. Second one was the recovery for the final after previously knocking out Nadal against all odds in Paris. He managed it. Third one was mostly just form related as he didn't set Wimbledon on fire. He did well enough. And now, the pressure of the record and Calendar Slam.

And the constant between this year's Slams applies for the US Open as well. He's faced the most in form opponents in the given moment at every tournament. Projected opponents in the final rounds did their part, draws did not evaporate. Something that gives this history chase more value, especially if he wins on Sunday.

Mad love for Mad Lad. There aren't many fans out there that want him to become the best of his generation as much as me. And like I said prior to the Australian Open final, I really wish I was more neutral for this match up, like in their Cincy encounter two years ago. The same way when Safin arrived and faced my first tennis love Agassi. Back when there weren't these marathon races for the greatest, when the changing of the guard was a more frequent and more welcome thing to happen, when all top players' career stories felt almost equally special to watch. In a fairytale ending, I'd like Daniil to be the opponent in Novak's last career match. For what it's worth I do hope he is the one who dethrones Novak at the top one day, regarding the number 1 ranking and the biggest tournaments.

But not this week. Way too much on the line on Sunday for Djokovic, more than just another Slam, for me to want the changing of the guard now. Medvedev will play many more finals, and while I am sure Djokovic will contend beyond this year as well, it's such a unique situation. The Calendar Grand Slam is one win away.

Unfortunately I barely watched Djokovic during this tournament. Didn't have the energy to stay up so late. But I hear his form picked up in the second week, delivering when he needed it the most against Berrettini and Zverev, unfazed by all the opening sets he dropped. Hearing that crowds haven't been as hostile as we have grown to expect from them is a nice little "bonus" too. Overall, there is no reason to think he can't deliver one more winning performance for history books. Let's go Novak, whatever it takes...

 

[Cheese&IPA]

Such a bad matchup for Medvedev, Djokovic easily in 3.

 

[Sysyphus]

hitman do you think the Neil can take out joco i repeat do you think the Neil can stop joco, hitman

 

[Nadal15thslam]

Medvedev in 4. If there is some justice in the world this will happen. Djokovic winning the CYGS with this relatively low level for his standard (not only this tournament, all 2021) would be a tragedy.

 

[Searchlight]

Djokovic will lose his mind and the match
Goran will disappear into the sunset
Srdan will say something that will cause an international incident with Russia

Is Goran in the players box? I haven't seen him...

 

[5.0 in 3.0 Body Guy]

I am a Med fan, but have huge respect for Djoker.
That said, I just don’t see Med winning.
The Aussie Open final sure seemed to state that Med doesn’t believe he can beat Djoker in best of 5. I just hope he shows up this time.

P.S. I predict Djoker in 4.

 

[Tsongerer]

The zoomer generation should be banned from tennis if Med loses. They are the reason the slam race is even tied. Federer had a higher level 6 years ago than Novak right now (or at any other point in his career at same age, bar teen and early tween years) but he had to compete against prime Novak in stead of mediocre zoomer mugs (Tsitsipas, Medvedev, Zverev) who all wouldn't even be top 10 ranked in the early to mid 10s.

Some people have the audacity to talk about the 4 years Federer dominated the tour being a weak era. The competition was 10x better than the last four years and there is a big chance Federer would have won most of those titles regardless of level of competition as the courts were faster, AO was on rebound ace and Federer showed that his late 20s/early 30s level (in physical sport +90% of the athletes peak around their mid 20s) was pretty much on par with prime Djokovic's level (who would have been his biggest competition outside of RG). Most matches wouldn't have been close enough for Nole to profit of being mentally stronger. On the other habd Nole would not win any slams if the tour level was on par with the early or maybe even mid 10s.

I'm sick to my stomach that the clearly evident GOAT might not go down as the GOAT in general consensus because of the technicality of zoomers being trash at tennis. After 15 years of following the sport I'll probably quit on sunday.

Nole in 3.

 

[Sephiroth]

Djokovic will bend Medvedev over, only Zverev had a shot at beating Djok

 

[Rina]

So some of you think that a guy who lost to Nole in three sets at AO is that much improved he can take this final in 3 easy sets?

 

[grinsidetennis]

Firstly abt the Zverev match. As often it could have turned in favour of Sascha. That crazy game at 4-5 third set was crucial for Zverev to hold his serve. Momentum could have shifted, was a huge blow for him. Then he lost three games on his serve after 30-30 with one double fault and two unacceptable misses in the second. It would have been interesting to see how Djoker would serve the second time. He wasn't clutch on service, hes too one dimensional without variety, kinda slow, shaky forehand and prone to ue. Medvedev is a much more complete opponent.

 

[Third Serve]

Novak will exsanguinate him

 

[Vamos Rafa Nadal]

The difference between Zverev and Medvedev is that Zverev mentally checks out for parts of his big matches and Medvedev hasn't been doing that in most of his. Medvedev knows how to lose a game or a set and hit the reset button (which Alcaraz clearly knows how to do as well). Zverev lets disappointments get to him in a much bigger way. I didn't see the AO final so I can't speak to it - I felt that Djokovic was going to win that tournament so I wasn't at all invested in it.

I get how excited Djokovic fans are right now. But it is wrong to say that Medvedev has no chance to defeat him tomorrow. I not only thing there is a big chance of it I believe Medvedev is going to win.

 

[Rina]

Nobody knows what will happen, but trolling here is off the charts! I mean Medveded might win, but people actually confidently posting he will win is nothing but being butt hurt for your players' sake.
Sad and pathetic and shows what sore losers you all are.

 

[TopspintheTerrible]

Medvedev is hyped up, fresh & ready to run….

 

[Opendaroof]

Acording to the ITF for the 2nd quarter of 2021 there were zero blood samples collected (same with the 1st), for antidoping control. In 2020 it was also low in part due to covid restrictions, but most sports have come back to normal, not tennis. Let that sink in.
I vote Med in 3 or djoker in 4 or 5 vs a breathless russian.

Dope!!!! You didn't know all big 3s have tons of money to do.... very scientific and legal? It doesn't matter if they collect sample or now.

 

[travlerajm]

I am waiting for someone to present a realistic way this match can go that results in Medvedev winning, other than just throwing a hissy fit about Novak winning.

I’ll bite.

Djokovic’s Achilles heel is hot humid weather.

The last time Djok played a slam match in conditions as warm as tomorrow? US Open 2014 semi vs Nishikori.

Djok’s most recent two matches with temperature as hot as tomorrow? Olympic semi against Zverev, and Bronze metal match against PCB.

Meanwhile, Medvedev is a stud in Bo5 as long as it’s hot out. He only loses when the temp is in the 60s or 70s.

The last time Medvedev lost a slam match when the high temp that day was 80F or higher? 2019 AO, almost 3 years ago (when he was seeded #15 against #1 Djok). Med has won an incredible 17 consecutive slam matches with temp over 80F since then.

 

[Beulah Jesus]

The dream final we've been all waiting for.

The world No. 1 vs. No. 2.

The Greatest player of All Time against the next King of Hardcourts.

It doesn't really matter who wins the match as tennis wins either way.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1436526954568630272

The script:
Unlike all of his other matches, Djokovic to start strong and take the lead, he goes two sets up, his fans start celebrating, tennis fans are in glee for the thought of experiencing history and Djokovic haters to be in utter ruins. But then, just when it feels inevitable, Med having nothing to lose starts playing like a possessed man, he takes the 3rd, then the 4th and keep mounting pressure until Djokovic crumble physically and mentally in the fifth. Med claims the US Open title making the greatest comeback ever in tennis history.

Vote and discuss.

Not holding my breath on this one. I will be VERY SHOCKED if Medvedev takes it to 5 sets, talk less of winning.
I think it will be another Djokovic beat down.

 

[Vamos Rafa Nadal]

There are many reasons I think Medvedev will win. Keep in mind I am not saying he will win, only that I believe he will win. One of the reasons is that he has only been broken four times in six matches and has only faced a total of 11 break points in six matches - this is amazing!!! He has only lost ONE set in six matches. In his semi-final match he won all 5 of his break points. I am missing the stats from his match with Andujar but I believe he has broken serve 36 times. Again, it isn't a certainty that he will win but it is certain that he is playing at a level where he absolutely could win.

 

[travlerajm]

There are many reasons I think Medvedev will win. Keep in mind I am not saying he will win, only that I believe he will win. One of the reasons is that he has only been broken four times in six matches and has only faced a total of 11 break points in six matches - this is amazing!!! He has only lost ONE set in six matches. In his semi-final match he won all 5 of his break points. I am missing the stats from his match with Andujar but I believe he has broken serve 36 times. Again, it isn't a certainty that he will win but it is certain that he is playing at a level where he absolutely could win.

This. In this tournament, Medvedev has been the best in the world at holding serve, and the best in the world at breaking serve. If you are good at those two things, you can win tennis matches.

 

[I Am Finnish]

I expect a lot of 20+ rally shots

 

[Jokervich]

I’ll bite.

Djokovic’s Achilles heel is hot humid weather.

The last time Djok played a slam match in conditions as warm as tomorrow? US Open 2014 semi vs Nishikori.

Djok’s most recent two matches with temperature as hot as tomorrow? Olympic semi against Zverev, and Bronze metal match against PCB.

Meanwhile, Medvedev is a stud in Bo5 as long as it’s hot out. He only loses when the temp is in the 60s or 70s.

The last time Medvedev lost a slam match when the high temp that day was 80F or higher? 2019 AO, almost 3 years ago (when he was seeded #15 against #1 Djok). Med has won an incredible 17 consecutive slam matches with temp over 80F since then.

I created a thread asking if the hot humid conditions would be Djokovic's undoing in Tokyo and was just laughed at by everyone saying to stop being ridiculous.