Novak Djokovic won his 24th Grand Slam singles title by defeating Daniil Medvedev in the US Open final in New York.
The 36-year-old Serb prevailed 6-3 7-6 (7-5) 6-3, but the straight-set scoreline hides how far he had to dig.
A relaxing first set was followed by a punishing second set that lasted one hour and 44 minutes.
After exchanging breaks early in the third, Djokovic grabbed command and equaled Margaret Court’s 50-year record.
“It obviously means the world to me,” said Djokovic on winning his 24th major.
“I’m really living my childhood dream to compete at the highest level in this sport, which has given me and my family so much from difficult circumstances.
“I never thought I would be here but the last couple of years I thought I had a shot at history. Why not grab it when it is presented?”
The second seed Djokovic appeared physically exhausted in the grueling second set, but he displayed all of the markers of greatness to win his fourth US Open title.
Djokovic, who earlier this year broke Rafael Nadal’s record of 22 men’s major titles, has equaled Australia’s Court at the second attempt after losing the Wimbledon final in July.
He has won three of the four Grand Slam championships in 2023, making him the first man to accomplish this feat four times.
Now, the incoming world number one has the opportunity to exceed Court in the Australian Open in January, where he has already won a record 10 titles.
It seemed fitting that Djokovic won another lengthy rally to set up championship point and, after being forced to wait to serve by boos from the crowd, sealed victory when Medvedev blasted a forehand into the net.
“I would definitely sign right away the paper if somebody would tell me I would win three out of four and play Wimbledon finals this year,” Djokovic said.
“There is a little regret that I didn’t win that Wimbledon final. But, at the end of the day, I have so much more to be happier and content with than actually to regret something.”