Novak Djokovic becomes oldest US Open men's singles champion in Open Era

The Serbian will return to the coveted World No. 1 spot.

Novak Djokovic defeated Daniil Medvedev in the men's singles final at US Open 2023 on Sunday (September 10th). The Serbian became the oldest champion of the tournament in the Open Era and also surpassed Ken Rosewall, who previously held the record since 1970. Djokovic is the third-oldest player of all-time to clinch the men's singles title, after William Larned (38 years, 170 days) in 1911 and Bill Tilden (36 years, 216 days) in 1929.

By virtue of this win, the 36-year-old tied Margaret Court's record for the most Grand Slam singles titles. The World No. 2, who already holds the record for the most men's Grand Slam singles victories, now shares first place with Margaret Court in the all-time standings with 24 victories, one more than Serena Williams. This is his fourth US Open title - he won his first title way back in 2008. 

Additionally, he surpasses Roger Federer's major titles (20) by four and Rafael Nadal's 22 by two. Following his victory in his record-breaking 36th major singles final, the Serbian has become the only player to have won three Grand Slam singles titles in a season four times (2011, 2015, 2021, and 2023). The 24-time Grand Slam champion will soon return to becoming World No. 1 when the ATP Rankings are out on Monday (September 11th). 

The US Open 2023 final's second set, which lasted 1 hour and 44 minutes, was as much a test of tenacity as it was of talent. In the middle of it, the Russian and the Serb engaged in a 32-stroke point. Djokovic gave in by netting a backhand in one of several lengthy disputes between two players with almost the same playing style.

After appearing in his fifth Grand Slam final, Medvedev has a record of (1-4) with two losses to Djokovic and two to Rafael Nadal.