Watch: Emotional Novak Djokovic rushes to hug daughter Tara after historic US Open title, celebrates special moment with family
Novak Djokovic, who scripted history by bagging his 24th Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open with a 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3 win over Daniil Medvedev, chose to begin his celebrations with daughter Tara and the rest of his family.
Djokovic will regain the World No. 1 ranking on Monday, September 11. The Serb has won three Slams this year; his fourth US Open crown comes after his 10th Australian Open trophy and third French Open title earlier this year.
In a heartwarming moment after the match, an emotional Djokovic rushed to embrace his daughter in the midst of the celebrations at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
While his parents, wife Jelena, and son Stefan were spotted in the player's box, Tara was in the stands right next to the court. After embracing his daughter, Djokovic was joined by the rest of his family members as well as his coaching team in celebration.
The 36-year-old later paid tribute to the late American basketball legend Kobe Bryant, by donning a Black Mamba No. 24 jersey.
The new World No. 1 was prevented from entering the US last year owing to his vaccination status, and thus had to miss the 2022 edition of the New York Major.
Novak Djokovic overcomes Daniil Medvedev despite displaying visible signs of fatigue during US Open final
Novak Djokovic, who rarely displays signs of fatigue on the court, seemed to be struggling as Daniil Medvedev attempted to prolong the rallies during the second set.
For the most part Djokovic held serve with ease, while also making Medvedev toil by throwing in slices and drop shots. The Russian, however, chose to engage his older opponent in long baseline rallies even as Djokovic's legs appeared to fail him.
The visibly fatigued Serb had to fight to save the second set, which lasted over 100 minutes. He managed to wipe off a set point before forcing a tie-break, where he came through with a razor-thin 7-6(5) margin.
Medvedev then took a medical timeout, and soon found himself down 1-3 after being broken early in the third set. A double fault from the Serb allowed the 2021 US Champion to break back, but he failed to capitalize.
Medvedev gave it his all but it was Novak Djokovic who ended up capturing his 14th Grand Slam title on hard courts.