Media playback is not supported on this device ‘What a gift’ – Medvedev’s incredible backhand winner
US Open Venue: Flushing Meadows, New York Dates: 29 August-10 September Coverage: Live radio and text commentary on selected matches on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra, the BBC Sport website and app.
Daniil Medvedev beat Novak Djokovic to win his first ever ATP title in New York as he claimed the $1.75m (£1.28m) Sony Open title in Miami by beating the Serb 6-3 7-6 (7-5).
The 21-year-old Russian won the first set against the world number two in 42 minutes, with the 20-time Grand Slam champion looking nervous in the final set.
Medvedev, the world number 15, ended the Serb’s run of reaching the Miami and US Open finals for the past three years.
“What a gift,” Medvedev said of his efforts.
“This is a dream come true for me. I thought at the beginning of the year I could maybe win a tournament. But not a Masters 1000 title.
“This is a great day for my tennis, a great day for my career.”
The Russian, who won two clay-court titles this year, is the first player from Russia to win a Masters 1000 title since Marat Safin in 2006.
In just his fourth match on hard court this year, Djokovic squandered seven break points and made 39 unforced errors as he lost in two hours, eight minutes on Thursday.
World number two Djokovic took four hours and three minutes to overcome Rafael Nadal in last year’s final, while it was just over an hour longer than Milos Raonic needed to defeat Stan Wawrinka.
“It’s been an amazing journey,” said Djokovic, who had dropped a set in both the US Open qualifying rounds and the Miami final before meeting Medvedev.
“I will take my outsetters and thank them for coming to the finish and taking over my time today. I have a smile on my face. Thank you for all your support.
“I want to congratulate my opponent. He deserved it.
“In all the matches I have played this year, he has been the better of me in the decider. But I’m proud of my performance.”
Medvedev improves to 10-1 in 2017
Medvedev came out on top in Miami to reach the biggest title match of his career
The world number 10 won the only previous match he had played against the Serb, when he beat him on clay in Paris in May.
Medvedev arrived in Miami after winning his second ATP title, the St Petersburg Open, in July, where he beat world number two Alexander Zverev in the final.
He is the first Russian to win an ATP title at Flushing Meadows since Marat Safin in 2006.
Medvedev needed to win just one of the three set points he had in the first set, with Djokovic going 0-40 down in the 12th game and saving it all.
The American saved two more break points in the seventh game of the second set before Medvedev broke to lead 5-3 with a stunning backhand winner.
However, a double fault and a scrambling backhand winner from the Serb made it 5-5 in the final set.
Djokovic saved one match point but Medvedev held his nerve to break Djokovic’s serve on the fifth in the 11th game, before sealing victory on his second opportunity.