No. Novak Djokovic was not able to win the first calendar grand slam since 1969. Instead, Daniil Medvedev won the finals of this year’s US Open with a score of 6-4, 6-4, and once again, 6-4. Fans of both players were extremely overwhelmed with Medvedev’s win, ranging from boos in the crowd siding with Djokovic at the Arthur Ashe Stadium to love and appreciation towards Medvedev from all over Twitter. The anticipation for this match was unreal.

Cresskill High School’s tennis coach Ms. Muller told her her boys team, “If you are not watching the MEN’S FINAL on ESPN….YOU SHOULD be!! Starting RIGHT NOW on ESPN!!!!” Not only did Medvedev’s win stop Djokovic from winning the calendar grand slam but also kept him tied up with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, each having 20 major wins in their entire careers. This US Open could have been Djokovic’s 21st major win, but Medvedev came out on top this time.

On September 12th, 2021 when the men’s singles final was played, it was unfortunately not one of Novak Djokovic’s best days. During the match, he had 38 unforced errors against 27 winners. Slamming the ball into the net was also not uncommon for Djokovic this match. The first set being lost was nothing but typical. After losing the first set, it is known that Djokovic is the master of making a comeback and defeating his opponents, but this time was unlike any other. He struggled to pull himself together and let his emotions get the best of him. During the second set, he even smashed his racket out of frustration on the court. Keep in mind, it is not just his bad performance that kept him from obtaining the win, accompanying that is how well Medvedev was able to play, even throughout the constant negative uproar coming from Djokovic fans.

Daniil Medvedev showed up and showed off his amazing performance. During the final set on match point, Medvedev had a 40-15 lead and the serve double faulted as the New York fans jeering turned into cheering. With the score now being 40-30, Medvedev was able to recollect himself and history was not made that day. He said, “I know I have to focus on myself and how do I win this match, and again I managed to do it so that’s all that matters.” After he had won his first grand slam, he stated, “I’m just really happy that I managed to give my best today. I managed to win against one of the greatest of all time in straight sets in a match that meant everything to him … that’s special.” Both comments made by Medvedev really highlight his values and sportsmanship.

This year’s US Open is one to remember. Two great players, one with 20 grand slam titles and the other with zero (turning into one) battled it out in the finals and the results were shocking. This win from Daniil Medvedev was able to stop Novak Djokovic’s calendar grand slam win as well as his 21st grand slam win, which would have made him the tennis player with the worlds most major titles. Will Djokovic ever get the calendar grand slam he dreams of? Only time will tell.