Novak Djokovic vs Daniil Medvedev score, result, highlights from US Open 2023 men’s final as Djokovic goes 2-0 ahead after marathon second set

By | September 10, 2023
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Novak Djokovic prevailed in a marathon second set to go 2-0 ahead against Daniil Medvedev in a gruelling US Open men’s singles final.

Medvedev won in straight sets when these players met in the Flushing Meadows showpiece two years ago but he suffered a nightmare start when his first service game was broken to love.

Two defensive masters engaged in several absorbing baseline duels but Djokovic’s willingness to be more aggressive was rewarded, an approach that extended to frequently serve-volleying to exploit Medvedev’s stance to receive deep behind the baseline.

The world No. 3, who beat Djokovic’s Wimbledon conqueror Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals, was hanging on during the early stages of the second set before his attempts to take the initiative belatedly brought a ragged look to Djokovic’s play.

Both men were taking to the brink over the course of some sapping service holds and the longest set of the tournament had clocked one hour and 44 minutes by the time Djokovic came from behind to take it 7-5.

The Sporting News is providing live updates on Novak Djokovic vs. Daniil Medvedev in the US Open men’s singles final.

Novak Djokovic vs. Daniil Medvedev live score

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Novak Djokovic (2) 6 7 (7) 3    
Daniil Medvedev (3) 3 6 (5) 1    

MORE: Tennis’ top grand slam winners of all-time: Who has won the most titles?

Novak Djokovic vs. Daniil Medvedev live updates, highlights from US Open 2023 men’s final

*Denotes server*

Novak Djokovic 6-3 6-6 (7-5) 3-1 Daniil Medvedev*

Medvedev to serve. In case you were under any illusions over the scale of his task, Djokovic’s record in grand slam matches where he’s won the first two sets is won 276, lost one. It’s 15-30 in this game and a second serve that Djokovic climbs into on the backhand. The settle into a rally that ends with Medvedev going wide to concede two break points. Fault. Djokovic has blood in his nostrils and Medvedev goes long. Djokovic is two sets and a break up. This has been attritional stuff at times, but he doesn’t lose from here.

*Novak Djokovic 6-3 6-6 (7-5) 2-1 Daniil Medvedev

Medvedev trips over his own ankles to take a nasty tumble at the net. Djokovic climbs over to help him up. Daniil is quite content to just have a little lie down for a moment or two. A chance at 30-30 but Medvedev blazes long. Now it’s his turn for a row with his coach and Djokovic tidies up the game.

Novak Djokovic 6-3 6-6 (7-5) 1-1 Daniil Medvedev*

Medvedev into the net, whipping a gleeful forehand past Djokovic for 40-0. And a hold to love with his third unreturnable serve of the game. Perhaps they’re going to do this one in bite-size after the multi-course meal that was set two.

*Novak Djokovic 6-3 6-6 (7-5) 1-0 Daniil Medvedev

We go again. A change of t-shirt and a shoulder rub for Medvedev can’t stop Djokovic from dashing into a 40-0 lead. He holds to 15.

Novak Djokovic 6-3 6-6 (7-5) Daniil Medvedev — TIE-BREAK: DJOKOVIC WINS THE SECOND SET!!!!

Djokovic thumps away relentlessly with the backhand cross-court and gets his way. 5-5. Who wants a set point? It’s serve-volley time again. Medvedev has no answer and must serve with Djokovic a point away from 2-0. The serve is good, the result obviously is, they stalk again and Medvedev puts his backhand into the net! Djokovic leaves the court to freshen up and he’s one set away from three out of four in 2023. Medvedev is topless and receiving some treatment on court. They’ve essentially battered one another to a standstill.

Novak Djokovic 6-3 6-6 (4-5) Daniil Medvedev — TIE-BREAK

Precision backhand volley once more from Djokovic and that’s three points in a row. Momentum shift? Oh no, he misses down the line after being on top of Medvedev in another baseline battle. Forehand cross court, Medvedev batters Djokovic back but can’t put him away. Now Djokovic pops a delicious forehand just over the net. Medvedev reads it and produces a deft touch of his own to take the point. Huge. 

Novak Djokovic 6-3 6-6 (3-3) Daniil Medvedev — TIE-BREAK

Medvedev fizzing the forehand now, bosses the latest rally. Oh, but that’s a tame unforced error and we’re back on serve. He nets as Djokovic nails a first serve and we’re all square at the change of ends.

Novak Djokovic 6-3 6-6 (1-2) Daniil Medvedev — TIE-BREAK

A fault to start from Medvedev but he’s on the board and makes the most of a look at a Djokovic second serve as the Serbian nets. Novak ensures one mini-break doesn’t become two as he drives Medvedev long and he blazes into the crowd.

*Novak Djokovic 6-3 6-6 Daniil Medvedev

The drop shot from behind the baseline might be a club for Djokovic for a while. Medvedev reads it again, takes control of proceedings and uses all 6ft 6ins of his frame to batter an overhead volley past his foe. Djokovic responds to go 30-15 before netting a tired first serve. It’s an exhausted-looking second serve. What a time for a double! 30-30 and Medvedev is two points from the set. Back to serve-volley. Bish, bash bosh. Game point but Djokovic’s serve is long before he nets another. Second double of the game! Deuce. Into a rally, Medvedev changes the angle expertly to go down the line with the backhand, Djokovic can’t respond and it’s set point to the Russian.

Djokovic takes his time, this serve is on the money and he follows it in. Break point saved. Why didn’t Medvedev go down the line? Another huge rally sees both men lay the foundation with their backhands, onto the forehand wing and Medvedev dumps one onto the net. Game point Djokovic. He looks for the backhand down the line and it’s into the top of the net! Deuce No. 3. A brilliant serve out wide from Djokovic out wide to the forehand side is unreturnable. The game ticks over 10 minutes. A let means it’ll go at least a little longer. Medvedev scampers and scampers hard, Djokovic nets the backhand and botches his third chance to force the tiebreak. Advantage again as Medvedev’s return goes nowhere hear the court. An after almost an hour and a half, Djokovic gets the job done to force a breaker. This is already the longest set of the tournament.

Novak Djokovic 6-3 5-6 Daniil Medvedev*

15-15 and Djokovic drags a forehand wide before shouting something apparently not very nice at himself in Serbian. Whatever it was, it was sound advice as he pulls Medvedev from side to side and makes it 30-30. The drop shot doesn’t pay off as Medvedev mops up at the net. Djokovic on his haunches again. The atmosphere in Ashe is kicking up a few notches. Some wonderful, whipping play from both wings. Medvedev can’t put the point away, Djokovic guesses correctly to knock Daniil’s overhead back past him, He turns to the crowd, arms outstretched. A showman, lapping it up. Medvedev sends down a rocket for advantage and after a more moderate rally, Djokovic nets. In a set packed with them, that’s another big hold.

*Novak Djokovic 6-3 5-5 Daniil Medvedev

Djokovic serving to stay in the set starts with a more well-received let call. Fault and Medvedev is into the rally on the second serve. He bosses that one for 0-15. Djokovic levels up and then passes Medvedev at the net as he looks to tear into another second serve. Some bloody-minded tennis from the 23-time slam winner right now. He comes in behind the second serve and Medvedev can’t pass him, although the Russian makes a better first of things as Djokovic again fails to get his first serve in. 40-30 and Djokovic slogs his way over the line before demonstrating with his team.

Novak Djokovic 6-3 4-5 Daniil Medvedev*

Now then, Daniil. What have you got? Plenty, as it happens. After that long near-miss against the Djokovic serve he motors to 40-0 then enjoys Djokovic plonking a second-serve return long.

*Novak Djokovic 6-3 4-4 Daniil Medvedev

New balls and Djokovic serve-volleys for 15-0. Behold, Medvedev has a point on the Djokovic serve! In a rally after a second serve he gets into the point but nets. 30-15 before a fault at game point. And a Djokovic doubt, would you believe? They got to work again. Medvedev looks good in this one, reads the Djokovic drop and dispatches forehand past his static opponent. That’s 28 shots and deuce. Dear, oh dear – Medvedev pulls a rank forehand way out on the end of an 88 mph second serve. Another Djokovic double! He doesn’t appear to be moving completely freely. Is this Medvedev’s moment?

It looks a tame second serve into the middle of the box at deuce but Djokovic dominates from there and Medvedev nets poorly under the pressure. They stalk each other with the backhand, Medvedev quickens the pace and Djokovic nets a cross-court forehand. Djokovic rages against a let call. Those damn machines! He tries the drop again when they resume, Medvedev reads it before nailing a smash for a first break point of the match. OH MY WORD! Medvedev’s backhand return looks bang on the money but Djokovic is on it to dink a delicate forehand half-volley across the net. He laps up the applause and asks for more. This one isn’t one for the highlights reel, as the latest Djokovic volley looks like it might have come off the frame. Medvedev nets and Djokovic holds after more than 12 minutes. Gargantuan stuff.

Novak Djokovic 6-3 3-4 Daniil Medvedev*

Oh, that is utterly majestic from Djokovic. The pair bed in for another baseline tussle that ends as Novak fades away a perfect backhand drop shot. Bang, bang. Medvedev to 30-15. Djokovic gets a look at a second serve but hooks wide. He’s back on top form in the next point, though, and forces Medvedev to net. 40-30, Medvedev kicks his second serve and nets Djokovic’s return. It’s another long rally at deuce. They sometimes look like equal competitors in these terms but Medvedev is in Djokovic’s house right now and goes long for break point. The Russian responds with a kicking first serve and a drive volley. No rallies here! A fault means a longer point. A longer point means a Djokovic point… or so you think until he lamps a backhand into the net and almost falls on his face like a punch-drunk boxer. 

He regains his poise, pings a return onto the service line and Medvedev nets. Another rally manipulated magnificently by Djokovic. This time Medvedev hangs in there, enjoys a net cord to disturb Djokovic’s rhythm and turns the tables with some howitzer forehands. Djokovic goes down again and is limping. Oh look, he’s fine. Backhand dispatched and it’s deuce again. An unusually wild backhand from Djokovic gives his opponent his next advantage and that’s a huge hold for the 2021 champion.

*Novak Djokovic 6-3 3-3 Daniil Medvedev

Brilliant from Djokovic at 15-0, who approaches with a slice backhand. Medvedev’s response clips the net cord but Djokovic adjusts to drive into the corner. In the blink of an eye he’s at 40-0 again. An ace out wide, you dice. Medvedev didn’t get a break point in the first set; he’s not had a point off the Djokovic serve midway through the second.

Novak Djokovic 6-3 2-3 Daniil Medvedev*

A ninth unforced error of this set from Medvedev gives Djokovic 0-15. He’s made zero unforced errors in set two so far. Now 0-30, with both points from Medvedev first serves. That’s been such a weapon for him so far and he gets back to 30-30 as Djokovic goes long. An ace. Can he close it out? Yep, another ace will do it.

*Novak Djokovic 6-3 2-2 Daniil Medvedev

Medvedev wide with an inside-out forehand. Then a meaty rally concludes with some delicate touches at the net and Djokovic prevails. Just the 27 shots in that one. From that point Djokovic motors to a second consecutive love hold. It feels like he’s turning the screw.

Novak Djokovic 6-3 1-2 Daniil Medvedev*

Big serve to start and then Djokovic clips a backhand long form in at the net. A bit of encouragement for Medvedev before Djokovic gives him the absolute runaround on the next point. Another duelling rally ends with Medvedev slicing backhand into the tramlines and his early lead is gone. And again: 40-30, then a clumped backhand long. A couple of thunderous serves see out another uneven game. 

Novak Djokovic* 6-3 1-1 Daniil Medvedev

Oh, Daniil. First, the 2021 champion plops one into the net to give Djokovic the first point before powering his way on top with some muscular forehands in a draining rally, only to miss horribly with a backhand cross court. It’s a hold to love.

Novak Djokovic 6-3 0-1 Daniil Medvedev*

It’s 15-15, which is better than Medvedev managed in his first service game of the previous set. Djokovic takes the pace off nicely in their latest long rally and forces his opponent to net. Medvedev evens the score with a towering smash, now a drive volley for game point. The locals like what they’re seeing here. He has to be more aggressive. Not to the extent you chuck in double faults though, Daniil. Jeez. It’s deuce, then advantage Medvedev before a meaty cross-court forehand from Djokovic suffocates the Russia. Advantage No. 2 and another double! His sixth of the match. Now into the net for a nicely dispatched backhand volley. Djokovic nets to end a mixed bag in Medvedev’s favour.

*Novak Djokovic 6-3 Daniil Medvedev: DJOKOVIC WINS THE FIRST SET!!!!

Lovely volley from Djokovic, which Medvedev scampers after and almost pulls off a stupendous backhand lob. But the amount of court he’s leaving Djokovic with means he needs the stupendous too often. Still, he has 15-15 before Novak sends a serve wide and Daniil nets. Ah, a big, long rally. It’s been a minute. Medvedev whips a couple of delectable forehands that would do for mere mortals but Djokovic’s defence is impregnable and a backhand floats long for set point. Second serve but Medvedev’s backhand goes long and Djokovic is a set to the good. He might just be warming up. Medvedev leaves the court as the wheelchair champions come out to show off their silverware. 

Novak Djokovic 5-3 Daniil Medvedev*

Ominous. Medvedev gropes at fresh air as Djokovic passes him cross-court. Now the Jaws theme as he coughs up a double fault. It’s back to 15-30 and a very safe second serve. But the backhand Medvedev finds to level the game is threaded down the line to perfection. Then it’s set point Djokovic, but Medvedev holds firm. He gets to advantage, Djokovic has a bit of a row with his box and a double fault follows. Now set point No. 2, which Medvedev repels with an overhead winner. He strings together the required points to make sure a slightly ratty-looking Djokovic will have to swerve this set out.

Novak Djokovic* 5-2 Daniil Medvedev

He’s sitting pretty in this set but the errors are piling up for Djokovic, who rams a forehand into the net cord. 15-15. He’s into the T for a winner next point, though. That’s 10-5 in terms of winners to the Serbian and the other side of him being the aggressor here. Medvedev goes wide cross-court. He’s second-best in too many of these rallies right now. Not that one, with Djokovic thumping out form behind the baseline. A delicious forehand sees Novak take control of the latest endurothon and he clatters an emphatic winner to take the game. Medvedev has won at least two points in every Djokovic service game so far but is yet to earn a break point and finds himself serving to stay in the set.

Novak Djokovic 4-2 Daniil Medvedev*

Bosh! An ace to start for Medvedev before Djokovic levels up. The three-time champion winds up to dispatch what looks like an easy forehand volley but goes long. Medvedev extends his lead to 40-15, rips a nice serve out wide but is then off-target himself. It doesn’t matter because Djokovic clatters another one long. There’s been some high-quality games in this final so far. That wasn’t really one of them.

Novak Djokovic* 4-1 Daniil Medvedev

Djokovic is wide with a backhand, then finds another big serve for 15-15. Medvedev gets a second serve to look at, which feels like it happened about five minutes ago after another rally of balletic aggression. Djokovic’s yields with a backhand into the net. 36 shots in that one. Woof! Maybe that gets Novak off from a time violation because he was a while with the next serve, which he comes in behind and repeats the trick for 40-30. Second serve and Medvedev creams a backhand down the line for deuce. Djokovic in behind a forehand now and volleys for advantage. I guess you pick up a thing or two being coached by Boris Becker and Goran Ivanesevic. Medvedev gets a look at a second serve but can’t make it count.

Novak Djokovic 3-1 Daniil Medvedev*

More baseline stalking, Djokovic drags a forehand into the net and Medvedev has a point on his serve. Djokovic cracks a rising ball off the same wing to level up. A wonderful exchange gives Medvedev game point as the Russian gets into the net, is lobbed by Djokovic but recovers to force his opponent to go long. Let on the second serve, how are your nerves? Djokovic’s return is onto Medvedev’s toes but he wrestled back control of the point, ground stroke by ground stroke before Novak floats one wide.

Novak Djokovic* 3-0 Daniil Medvedev

Medvedev is into the net, no mean feat given how far he lurks behind it, and passes Djokovic with a backhand. He tears in again and whips a forehand beyond the Serb, who again finds himself marooned in mid-court. Djokovic responds with some serve-volley. He doesn’t meet his backhand cleanly at all but it plops into open court before meaty serve gets him back to 30-30. Back to hanging touch with the baseline trading and Medvedev blinks first, netting a backhand. An ace to finish. Djokovic left the door ajar and slammed it shut, in contrast to Medvedev who waved his foe through onto a red carpet in his first service game.

Novak Djokovic 2-0 Daniil Medvedev*

Ooof, that’s not ideal. A double fault and 0-30. Now Djokovic rips a blistering forehand that takes the line and he has three break points. Only one is required! A shambolic start on serve for the 2021 champion. 

Novak Djokovic* 1-0 Daniil Medvedev

Djokovic to serve first. Starts with a fault. A lengthy baseline joust ends with Medvedev going wide with a forehand. That was high-quality stuff for a first point and suggests we might be here for a while. Djokovic again fails to get his first serve in, then nets a backhand and it’s 15-15. Off we go again, with Medvedev typically deep behind the baseline the two defensive masters trade until Djokovic unfurls a peach of a backhand pass. He’s wide on that wing on the next point, though, for 30-30. Suddenly the pace quickens with a couple of aces and Djokovic is on the board.

5 mins to go: Here they come, the players enter the court to a rapturous reception. After rain earlier in the day, the roof of the 24,000-capacity arena is closed so the noise is booming.

10 mins to go: Not long now as a rendition of American The Beautiful strikes up around Arthur Ashe Stadium. 

Djokovic’s 2021 defeat to Medvedev was his sixth loss in a US Open final, as many as he has suffered across the other three slams put together. Only once in those losses, in 2016 against Stan Wawrinka, did Djokovic take the first set. If Medvedev can take an early lead he could prick at some mental scars. Assuming Novak actually has any of those at all, of course.

30 mins to go: Just prior to the main event, Great Britain’s Alfie Hewitt has just won his fourth US Open wheelchair men’s singles title. Djokovic has won three titles at Flushing Meadows. An omen?

50 mins to go: Medvedev also won their pair’s previous meeting in straight sets in Dubai, avenging a Djokovic triumph in Adelaide that means they’re one apiece on their head-to-head this season. The overall career record in 9-5 in Djokovic’s favour, which is not to be sniffed at against such a dominant force. Djokovic also won the first three meetings. Medvedev absolutely has a chance here.

1 hr 10 mins to go: So will it be repeat or revenge? Novak Djokovic is almost without compare on tennis’ biggest occasions but he met his match in the 2021 US Open final. Daniil Medvedev stunned the Serbian great with a 6-4 6-4 6-4 triumph. Medvedev beat Djokovic’s Wimbledon conqueror Carlos Alcaraz to set up a repeat matchup tonight, although the title he won two years ago remains his only major. Novak has 23.

MORE: Who is the world No.1 in men’s tennis? Updated ATP rankings and explainer

Daniil Medvedev

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How to watch Novak Djokovic vs. Daniil Medvedev in the USA Open 2023 final in USA

  • TV channel: ESPN
  • Live stream: Fubo | ESPN+

ESPN will broadcast the championship match at the US Open on Sunday. 

For those who want to live stream the match, Fubo carries the ESPN family of networks and comes with a free trial. 

Note: Spectrum cable customers are unable to watch ESPN due to the ongoing carriage dispute between Disney and Charter Communications.

MORE: How to watch US Open tennis without Spectrum

How to watch Novak Djokovic vs. Daniil Medvedev in the USA Open 2023 final in the UK

  • TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/Sky Sports Arena
  • Live stream: Sky Go, Sky Sports website

Pay TV broadcaster Sky Sports will air the final on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Arena, with coverage beginning at 20:30 BST.

Subscribers can also watch the action on the SkyGo app or via the Sky Sports website. 

How to watch Novak Djokovic vs. Daniil Medvedev in the USA Open 2023 final in Australia

  • TV channel: 9Gem
  • Live stream: Stan Sport | 9Now

This year’s final will be shown on free-to-air channel 9Gem. 

Fans can also live stream the match on paid subscription service Stan Sport – which hosts their 4K broadcast – or for free through 9Now. 

MORE: Undesirable No.1: Why Novak Djokovic is the GOAT of men’s tennis, whether you like it or not

How to watch Novak Djokovic vs. Daniil Medvedev in the USA Open 2023 final in India

  • TV channel: Sony Sports Ten 2, Sony Sports Ten 5
  • Live stream: Sony LIV

Sony has the rights to the US Open in India and will show Djokovic vs. Medvedev across its sports TV and streaming platforms.

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