Djokovic holds Court with Slam 24

Serb equals Margaret Court's all-time Slam count of 24 with a 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3 win over Russia's Medvedev

- Rutvick Mehta

By now you're probably too familiar with the concept of Novak Djokovic winning Grand Slam finals. By mentally evolving into an indestructible beast. By physically wearing humans across the net down. By being the best version of his efficient self on that day.

By flaunting an enterprising side to floor his opponent? That's where the 2023 US Open triumph that gave Djokovic his 24th Grand Slam title, all too similar to his previous 23 in terms of its conclusion, stands out in terms of its craft.

The 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3 win over Russia's Daniil Medvedev at the Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday was a typical Djokovic spectacle playing an atypical Djokovic game.

The typical bit about it? The Serb adding self-written chapters to tennis' history books-he started the 2018 season on 12 Slams, doubling it in 2023 to match Margaret Court's all-time count of 24 (partly in the amateur era) and widening his lead over rivals Rafael Nadal (22) and Roger Federer (20). Aside from Djokovic winning three Slams in a single year for the fourth time in his career, surpassing Federer (thrice).

He is the oldest men's singles US Open champion and so on (we could go on for as long as the 36-year-old plans to continue doing this). The atypical bit about it? The baseline bully's net work - serve and volleying 22 times while winning 20 points and pocketing 37 of the 44 points at the net.