US Open 2018: Novak Djokovic beats Juan Martin del Potro to win 14th grand slam title

Novak Djokovic beat Juan Martin del Potro 6-3 7-6 6-3 in the final to win the US Open 2018 men's singles title. This is Djokovic's 14th major title and he is now tied with Pete Sampras for third on the all-time men’s grand slam title winners list. 

It was a more intense battle than the final scoreline suggested as the big hitting Del Potro produced some great serves and big forehands against Djokovic, one of the best ever return players in the game.

However, the former world number one was in sublime form this evening and was back to his best. Djokovic covered the court with ease and surprised Del Potro with some of his returns against serves as fast as 132mph.    

The beginning of the match was like a watching a engrossing tug-of-war between two heavyweights. 

There were some long rallies and hard-fought points but both players held on to their serves in the first seven games. 

Djokovic draws first blood

At 3-4 and 40-0 in the eighth, Del Potro looked like heading for another easy service hold. 

However, Djokovic suddenly turned the game on his head. He made some incredible returns and forced the Argentine into mistakes. Djokovic won the 5 points to break. He went on to hold his serve in the next game and win the first set 6-3. 

Djokovic then won one of the points of the match to begin the second set. He threatened to break Del Potro in the very first game but the World No. 3 saved two break points to hold. 

Djokovic held his own serve and then earned another break point in the next game. This time he converted it to take the lead.

Del Potro breaks back

In the sixth game, Juan Martin Del Potro won with incredible point followed by a rare lapse of concentration from Djokovic to earn his first break point. 

It was Djokovic's first break point in 16 service games at this year's US Open. Djokovic was unhappy with the crowd's chatter behind him and it affected his game.

Djokovic saved the first break point but then made two errors to hand the game to to Del Potro at 3-3 who roared.

The long-long, very long game

The eight game of the set was a story in itself. The game lasted for more than 20 minutes with 8 deuces and 23 points and an argument about the balls in use. It saw Novak finally hold his serve after saving three break points.

Both players held serve easily in the next four games to force a tiebreaker.

Djokovic made some exceptional returns in the teibreaker to win it 7-4 and take the second set. 

Djokovic seals the deal

After a gruelling second set, both players looked a little tired in the third - specially Del Potro. 

Djokovic, however, was all business and broke Del Potro in the third game.

The Argentine came back to break Djokovic and make it 3-3. However, he couldn't hold on to his serve after that. Djokovic won three straight games and won the third set 6-3.

Novak thanks family and team

"It’s not easy to speak right now but I love you too, guys," Del Potro said at the trophy ceremony. "I naver gave up after my wrist injury. I am so happy to be playing in the final against this magnificent idol. He knows that’s he’s one player that I want to watch winning titles."

Djokovic, who has won Wimbledon and US Open since recovering from an injury and surgery, credited the support of his loved ones and his team for his turnaround since the start of this summer. 

“When I had the surgery of elbow earlier this year, I could truly understand what Juan Martin was going through. Difficult times, but you learn from adversary and when you’re down. I try to take the best out of myself in those moments.”

Djokovic congratulated Del Potro for what he’s done to come back from a wrist injury, before lifting the trophy for the third time. He also accepted the check for the princely sum of 38 lakh dollars.