Serbian superstar Novak Djokovic on Monday defeated Juan Martin del Potro by straight sets to bag his third US Open title. This is also the second consecutive Grand Slam title for the Serb following his 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 victory over del Potro taking him to level with Pete Sampras’ 14 Grand Slams.
“When I had my surgery this year I could understand what Juan Martín went through. When you’re down, you learn. I tried to take the best out of those moments. I was hoping Pete was going to be here, so I want to say: ‘I love you, hope to see you soon,” said Djokovic court-side.
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Djokovic is now just three Grand Slams behind Rafael Nadal and six behind Roger Federer, who holds the record of 20. This was the third incident when Djokovic completed the Wimbledon-US Open double after missing out the last year’s tournament with an elbow injury.
The victory was Djokovic’s 15th win over del Potro, as the Argentine suffered an emotional breakdown after the heart-breaking defeat, nine years after he became the US Open winner.
“It’s not easy to speak right now, but I am so happy to play in the final against this magnificent player. I’m sad to lose but happy for Novak. I never gave up during my wrist problems. I got back after nine years, which is amazing,” said Del Potro.
Djokovic’s win means that the ‘Big Four’ of Nadal, Federer, Andy Murray and Djokovic have bagged 50 out of 55 major titles.
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The main reason behind Djokovic’s victory was the way he won the lung-busting rallies.
Leading Grand Slam title winners:
20: Roger Federer
17: Rafael Nadal
14: Pete Sampras, Novak Djokovic
12: Roy Emerson
11: Bjorn Borg, Rod Laver
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