Novak Djokovic fined $5,000 after the US Open 2021 finals


Novak Djokovic fined $5,000 after the US Open 2021 finals

Novak Djokovic

The US Open 2021 Men’s Singles Finals will be remembered for a long time as it paved the way for a new Grand Slam champion. World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev finally got his hands on a much deserved Grand Slam trophy after finishing as the runner-up in the previous two Grand Slam finals he played in.

ADVERTISEMENT

Up against World No. 1 Novak Djokovic who was on the verge of creating history, Medvedev went on to defeat the Serbian 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to win his maiden Grand Slam title and deny Djokovic the chance of achieving the Calendar Slam. Djokovic was 27-0 in Grand Slam matches this season but failed to win the finals in New York ending the Grand Slams at 27-1 this season.

It certainly has been a long and tough season for the 34-year old Serbian and the signs were visible at the US Open as well where he was not looking at his peak as he did in the previous 3 Slams of the season. Nevertheless, his mental fortitude helped him close the matches but yesterday was Medvedev’s night and heartbreak for Novak.

In the 2nd set of the finals, during the 4th game on Medvedev’s serve, the game was tied at 40-40 and Djokovic hit a regulation return outside the bounds and expressing his frustration, smashed his racquet on the court repeatedly in anger that caused the racquet to break and Djokovic was fined $5,000 for unsportsmanlike behaviour on the court.

ADVERTISEMENT

Novak Djokovic gracious in defeat after the finals

Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev
Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev

While Novak did have a shocking outburst on the court, he was respectful and gracious in defeat after the championship point was played out. Waiting on the net for Daniil, who thrilled the Arthur Ashe Stadium with a FIFA-inspired celebration, Novak and Daniil shared a long hug with Novak smiling and congratulting Medvedev for his win.

During the presentation, Djokovic wished the best for Medvedev and said, “If there is anyone who deserves a Grand Slam title right now, it’s you.” It was good revenge for Medvedev as he had suffered a defeat in the finals of the 2021 Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the season at the hands of Novak and now ends up winning the final Grand Slam of the season defeating Novak.

Also Read: ‘One for the ages!’ Twitter reacts to Daniil Medvedev’s dominant win over Novak Djokovic at the US Open 2021 Final