Before the tournament, I posted how I hoped an Alcaraz takeover was on the cards.
As it turned out on Sunday, my worst nightmare occurred- Djokovic extended his era.
The second seed and today’s world No.1 beat Medvedev 6-3, 7-6, 6-3.
Djokovic took a comfortable first set 6-3. A stroll to the title looked inevitable. Medvedev was playing poorly. His back was practically rubbing against the advertising stands on the return, inviting Djokovic to serve out wide on the deuce side and come in for the easy put away. Even worse, in rallies, Medvedev was just hitting straight back to his rival, mostly cross court. The Medvedev of the semi-final was going down the lines, changing direction of the ball. Not this one, however. It was as if Djokovic had programmed him himself.
The second set lasted 1 hour and 45 minutes. Medvedev was going down the line now. He was chasing down every ball. Serving well. Djokovic seemed to be tiring, which is not even worth mentioning.
Medvedev had set point but Djokovic went up a gear, coming to the net where he seemed to know exactly what to do while his rival floundered, hitting balls at Djokovic’s waiting racket rather than find the empty space.
In the third set, Djokovic broke for 3-2 only to be broken back in the next game. The fightback was short-lived – Djokovic broke back and went on to take the match.
Medvedev said after the match he’d been too stubborn. His coach even lost his temper, shouting at him when he got broke in the third.
Djokovic now has 24 slams, and four at the USO. The Djokovic era isn’t ending anytime soon. He’s strong from the back and his down the line shots are heavy. He can change direction at exactly the right moment. He’s consistent, to put it mildly. His serve is both powerful and well placed. He can volley. His point construction is unrivalled. He has experience and is not afraid of gamesmanship, Most of all, he doesn’t fear winning.
It’s unfortunate for his rivals. And for those of us who were hoping the takeover had arrived.
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