Novak Djokovic has praised Medvedev for starting off the season with the “passion and determination” that is now expected from him after his splendid run in the last two years.
Recall that the Russian won his first Grand Slam title last season after defeating the World No. 1 at the 2021 US Open.
Novak Djokovic was ruled out of the 2022 Australian Open after being deported from Melbourne by immigration authorities. This paved the way for a new men’s singles champion to be crowned at the Grand Slam for the first time in three years.
The World No. 1 has won the Melbourne Major nine times since 2008, and was eyeing his fourth consecutive title this season. The Australian Open was Djokovic’s best chance to overtake rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal and break the three-way tie for the highest number of Grand Slam titles. However, it was not meant to be for Djokovic as Nadal capitalized on the former’s absence from the tournament and moved a step ahead in the race among the Big 3.
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The Spaniard won his 21st Grand Slam title after defeating Daniil Medvedev in a thrilling five-set encounter which lasted 5 hours and 28 minutes. After the match, Djokovic shared a post on social media congratulating all the winners and runners-up at this year’s Australian Open.
The Serb applauded Nadal for showcasing unwavering resilience, and wished him congratulations in Spanish, “Enhorabuena,” on becoming the first male in the Open Era to win 21 Grand Slam titles.
