Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Daniil Medvedev: US Open champion finally celebrates - and says title is anniversary present for his wife

Written by 
Published in Tennis
Sunday, 12 September 2021 18:57

Winning his first Grand Slam at the US Open was enough for Daniil Medvedev to finally celebrate - and he pulled out a move from a video game.

But the second seed, having dominated world number one Novak Djokovic to win 6-4 6-4 6-4 at Flushing Meadows on Sunday, changed his mind.

He jumped and fell to the floor after he converted his third championship point - a reference to the brick fall/dead fish goal celebration in the Fifa video game.

"Only legends will understand, what I did at last was L2+left," he told the New York crowd.

Medvedev produced a near flawless performance to beat Djokovic and end the Serb's hope of a calendar Grand Slam and a men's record 21st major singles title.

He revealed afterwards that he had thought up the celebration while struggling to sleep on tour one night.

"To not celebrate is going to be too boring, because I do it all the time," Medvedev said.

"I need to do something, but I want to make it special.

"It's not easy to make it on hard courts. I got hurt a little bit, but I'm happy I made it legendary for myself."

After winning his first Slam, he shared an embrace with Djokovic at the net before standing with his arms outstretched, taking in the applause.

He then returned to his seat to allow the moment to sink in and appeared to ask his support box to calm their own celebrations.

Medvedev reached his first Grand Slam final at Flushing Meadows two years ago, where he battled back from two sets down before losing in five to Rafael Nadal.

He took on the role of a pantomime villain during his 2019 run, telling the crowd that their boos had given him "so much energy" to win.

By the time of the final, he had won them over, as he was given several lengthy standing ovations while he fought hard against Nadal.

He referenced his experiences from two years ago in his winner's speech, saying: "I want to thank you guys [the crowd]. Today it was maybe a little bit more for Novak but that's completely understandable.

"Throughout the week you guys gave me a lot of energy. Starting from 2019 long ago, it helped me through to today. It was not easy but thanks a lot guys."

Medvedev also paid tribute to his wife, Daria, joking that it was a good job that he won the title on his wedding anniversary as he had not bought her a present.

"During the tournament I couldn't think of a present. When I made the final, I thought if I lose I need to find a present fast," the 25-year-old said.

"I have no time to find a present, I have to win this match."

While the crowd were largely for Djokovic - they cheered so loudly after he held for 5-4 in in the third set that it reduced him to tears - Medvedev had plenty of support on Arthur Ashe.

It is the second time the two have met in a Slam final this year after Djokovic rolled past Medvedev to win the Australian Open in February.

Djokovic was bidding to become just the sixth player to win a calendar Slam and the first man to do it since Rod Laver in 1969.

"I am sorry for you the fans and Novak. We all know what he was going for today," Medvedev told the crowd.

"What you have achieved this year and throughout your career, for me, I have never said this before, you are the greatest tennis player in history."

Medvedev is the first Russian since Maria Sharapova, who was in the crowd on Sunday, to win a US Open singles title after her victory in 2006.

He is also the first man since Nadal in 2010 to drop just one set on his way to the title.

"Medvedev is a fantastic athlete, has a big serve and all the shots," former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"He was the best player in the tournament, without doubt - losing just one set the whole way through and beating Djokovic in the final convincingly.

"He is a very good player on any surface."

Read 233 times

Soccer

Source: Al Nassr interested in Utd's Fernandes

Source: Al Nassr interested in Utd's Fernandes

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsAl Nassr are one of the Saudi Pro League clubs interested in signin...

Sources: Utd women not told of cancelled awards

Sources: Utd women not told of cancelled awards

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsManchester United's women's team found out the club's end of season...

FIFA to clear path for LaLiga, PL games in U.S.

FIFA to clear path for LaLiga, PL games in U.S.

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFIFA has moved towards ending decades of football tradition by revi...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Banged-up Cavs add LeVert to G5 injury report

Banged-up Cavs add LeVert to G5 injury report

EmailPrintIn addition to Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (calf) and center Jarrett Allen (rib) agai...

Playing with LeBron 'not my mindset,' Bronny says

Playing with LeBron 'not my mindset,' Bronny says

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCHICAGO -- As Bronny James leaned back in his chair and surveyed th...

Baseball

'NBA teams have been tracking this kind of stuff for years': Why load management is MLB's next big thing

'NBA teams have been tracking this kind of stuff for years': Why load management is MLB's next big thing

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFOR DECADES, the story of a major league game has been told by the...

Mizuhara pleads not guilty in procedural step

Mizuhara pleads not guilty in procedural step

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLOS ANGELES -- The former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated