US Open crowns gives Djokovic 24th Grand Slam crown and more life at the top

Novak Djokovic won his 24th Grand Slam singles trophy after beating Daniil Medvedev in the final at the US Open in New York. Getty Images via AFP - AL BELLO

Novak Djokovic returned on Monday to the top of the ATP rankings to add at least a few more weeks to his record sojourn of 390 weeks as the world’s best player. More importantly than that accolade, he reasserted his authority while brandishing a 24th Grand Slam men’s singles trophy.

He acquired the US Open on Sunday night following a 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 victory over Daniil Medvedev.

"I never imagined that I would be here standing with you talking about 24 Slams,” said Djokovic after collecting the title.

“I never thought that would be the reality,” added the Serb who at 36 became the tournament's oldest male champion since professionals were allowed to compete at Grand Slams in 1968.

“But the last couple of years, I felt I have a chance, I have a shot for history, and why not grab it if it’s presented?”

Djokovic won his first title at the Australian Open in January 2008. Nearly 16 years on from that success over France’s Jo Wilfried Tsonga, he has 10 crowns from Melbourne, three at the French Open in Paris, seven at Wimbledon and four in New York.

Only Margaret Court won as many Grand Slam tournament singles trophies. Thirteen of hers came before 1968 and 11 more followed until her retirement in 1976.

Margaret Court at the Arena named after her at Melbourne Park in 2015. The controversial figure says she should be invited to the 2020 Austraian Open to mark the 50th anniversary of her calendar Grand Slam TENNIS AUSTRALIA/AFP

Still at the top

“This is one of the biggest achievements in sports history,” said Djokovic's coach, Goran Ivanisevic.

The former Wimbledon champion added: “We’re not talking about tennis. We are talking generally in sports.”

Djokovic has risen and prospered in an era containing Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who won 20 and 22 Grand Slam singles titles respectively.

While certain aesthetes prefer Federer’s style and others adore Nadal’s intensity, Djokovic has racked up the numbers and the records he insisted he had no plans to step away from the heat of battle.

“I’m going to keep going. I feel good in my own body. I still feel I've got the support of my environment, of my team, of my family,” Djokovic said. “Knowing that I play at such a high level still, and I win the biggest tournaments ... I don’t want to leave this sport if I’m still at the top.”