US Open 2021 Men's Final Head to Head Preview: Novak Djokovic vs Daniil Medvedev

Loud music and a roaring crowd will witness the top seed Novak Djokovic go head to head against the second-seeded Daniil Medvedev in the finals of the US Open 2021. 

New York City will witness history as the Serbian chases a 21st grand slam and the Russian looks to grab his first major. 

Novak Djokovic vs Daniil Medvedev: Head to Head

Djokovic leads the head-to-head record 5-3 against Medvedev. The Serb also has supremacy in clashes on outdoor hardcourts. 

The World number 1 won three and lost one match on the surface versus Medvedev. Indeed, the Russian will look for revenge after the straight-set defeat to Nole in the finals of the Australian Open this year. 

SportCo dissects numbers that would have a bearing on the big battle

US Open 2021 Head to Head Stats comparison between Djokovic and Medvedev:

How Novak Djokovic defeated Next-Gen sensation Alexander Zverev?

Under the watchful eyes of his two coaches, Marian Vajda and Goran Ivanisevic, the Serb is on the cusp of achieving history. 

The World number 1 survived a grueling five-setter against the 4th seed Alexander Zverev in the semifinals. The usual tendency of losing the first set (6-4). Surprisingly, the Serbian did not win a single point on his second serve.

However, when the chips are down, Novak Djokovic rises like a phoenix from the ashes. The next 2 sets witnessed carnage as the 20-time major winner took control. The defensive engine of the Serb was in full flow. 

With a scoreline of 6-2 6-4, Sascha could not handle the pressure as he committed 24 unforced errors in the second and third sets. Djokovic claimed a whopping 91.66% of points at the net. 

The Serbian had won 9 matches in a row in grand slams in 2021 after dropping an opening set. However, the German stopped Novak with a 6-4 victory in the fourth set. 

Alexander Zverev pounded 15 winners and had a better first and second serve win% (80 and 63) than Djokovic (71 and 42). But, Sascha’s level dropped in the 5th set as Nole raced ahead with a 5-0 lead. A below-par breakpoint conversion rate of 20% and 11 unforced errors affected the German. 

Though he broke Novak once, it was not sufficient. Another hit at the net and Novak raised his hands like a king after pocketing the match. The standing ovation complemented the tight hug at the net between Djokovic and Zverev. 

Decoding how Daniil Medvedev overcame Felix Auger Aliassime?

With a big serve and strong support from Toni Nadal (ex-coach of Rafael Nadal), Felix had all the weapons to unsettle Medvedev in the semifinals. However, the Russian dominated the long rallies and was ruthless in his service returns. 

In the 124-minute encounter, Daniil dazzled by taking 81% of his first-serve points and also converted all 5 breakpoints. Auger could not handle the unorthodox game of the World number 2. The Canadian committed 10 double faults and 39 unforced errors. 

The difference in winners was significant (Medvedev - 37 and Aliassime - 17). The youngster also whacked powerful shots off his forehand and captivated the fans with his lightning-fast court coverage.

Who lays their hands on the trophy? Djokovic or Medvedev?

As part of the head-to-head rivalry between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev, the Serb has won their last 2 matches on outdoor hardcourts. However, those victories were in his fortress in Australia (ATP Cup in 2020 and Melbourne Park in 2021 in 3 sets each). 

Medvedev has been consistent in Flushing Meadows for the last 3 years. He reached the finals in 2019 (lost to Rafael Nadal in 5 sets) and was defeated by Dominic Thiem (in straight sets) in the semis last year. 

Decoding the mindset of Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev

“There is only one match left all in, I am going to put my heart and my soul and my body and my head into that one, I am going to treat the next match like it is the last match of my career,” reflected Djokovic vowing to give his all to win his 21st grand slam. 

As the glorious sport of tennis reaches a turning point, Novak Djokovic (34) will aim to extend his legacy. Daniil Medvedev (25) would look to be the heir to the throne of Next-Gen contenders. 

“I will probably be in the history books a little bit somewhere for not letting him (Djokovic) do this, but I don't really care about it, I think it's more about him, that it affects him,” revealed Medvedev highlighting his potential to pull off the unbelievable. 

Treasured tennis wizards, do you support the Serbian superstar or the Russian rockstar for winning the US Open 2021? Do discuss your remarks here.