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Gilles Cervara is happy with Daniil Medvedev's 2023 season, with the Russian playing consistent tennis and returning into the top-3. Daniil had a chance to lift his second Major title in New York, battling against Novak Djokovic at the US Open.
The Serb scored a 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 victory after three hours and 16 minutes, overpowering the younger opponent and celebrating his 24th Major crown. Cervara and Medvedev studied the final, and the coach did not have to think twice after being asked to change one moment of the title encounter.
Medvedev squandered a set point at 6-5 in set number two, missing a chance to wrap up a grueling set and massively improve his chances. The veteran stayed calm and denied a set point with a volley winner before clinching the set in the tie break for a tremendous advantage.
Novak had to dig deep physically, enduring extended exchanges and keeping his focus.
Djokovic got broken once and secured three return games, enough to propel himself toward the fourth US Open crown.
The veteran served at 54% and drew the most from that, offering the Russian a couple of chances and keeping the pressure on the other side. The Serb fired 38 winners and 35 unforced errors, changing the pace with net rushings and breaking the rival's rhythm.
Djokovic made a reliable start and broke Medvedev at love in game two for a 3-0 advantage. Daniil denied two set points at 2-5 before Novak closed the opener with a hold at 15 in game nine for 6-3 after nearly 50 minutes. It was a grueling set, and an even more extended one waited just around the corner!
They battled for an hour and 45 minutes before Djokovic fended off that set point and closed this part of the duel in the tie break.
Novak Djokovic defeated Daniil Medvedev in the US Open final last year.
Novak served without issues early on and missed a break chance at 3-3.
Djokovic squandered game points in game eight and faced the first break point. The veteran denied it with a half-volley winner and held after four deuces in one of the pivotal moments. Novak served to stay in the set at 5-6 and struggled again, presenting Daniil a set point.
Djokovic attacked and erased it with a volley winner at the net, holding and introducing a tie break for more drama. Novak climbed back from 1-3 and clinched the breaker 7-5 after Daniil's backhand error, gathering an enormous boost ahead of set number three.
Djokovic clinched a break in the fourth game and forged a 3-1 lead, putting one hand on the trophy. However, Medvedev delivered his only break of serve in game five, giving everything and staying in contention. Determined to avoid another marathon, Novak stepped in and broke for the second straight time in game six, moving 4-2 ahead and keeping the pressure on the other side.
Djokovic served for his 24th Major in game nine and held after Medvedev's forehand mistake, prevailing and celebrating his third Major title of the season.
"Studying the US Open final, one moment I would have changed is Daniil's set point in the second set.
I'm not sure what would have happened had he converted it, but the intensity of the battle might have switched sides," Gilles Cervara said.