#Title

DJOKOVIC
not yet ready to pass the torch
MILESTONES ACHIEVED
Ties Margaret Court for the most Grand Slams ever. The only Open Era player to have won 24 Grand Slam singles titles. Becomes the US Open’s oldest men’s singles champion in the Open Era. The first player to win three Grand Slam titles in a single year four times.
DHAKA ﻿TUESDAY﻿ ﻿SEPTEMBER﻿ ﻿12﻿, ﻿2023﻿, BHADRA 28, 1430 BS
REUTERS, New York
Novak Djokovic has no intention of passing the torch to the next generation just yet, the 36-year-old Serb proving age is just a number by becoming the oldest man in the Open Era to hoist the US Open trophy on Sunday.
With Roger Federer retired and the oft-injured Rafa Nadal ready to call it quits after next season, the days of the ‘Big Three’ are long gone but Djokovic - the final member of that triumvirate - reminded fans in New York that he is far from finished.
His 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3 victory over Russian Daniil Medvedev brought him not only a fourth Flushing Meadows title but a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam crown, and Djokovic wants more.
“Knowing that I play at such a high level still, ... I don’t want to leave this sport if I’m still at the top,” said Djokovic.
Djokovic swatted side some of the United States’ brightest young stars en route to the final. In Medvedev, however, he faced an older foe, and one who gave him the chance to exorcise his demons - two years earlier the Russian had ended his bid for a calendar Grand Slam on the very same court.
Djokovic did not squander that opportunity, smothering the 27-year-old in a series of exhausting rallies.
As he basked in the glory of his win, Djokovic had no words of comfort for those hoping to replace him.
“It’s not my interest and neither business to really review what everyone talks about or thinks, whether there is a passing of the torch or new gen, next gen, future gen, whatever you want to call it, happening or not happening in the sport,” he said.
“When you tell him he can’t do something, it’s even worse. Then he’s going to show you that he can do it. No excuses. He always tries to find a way to win, to fight, even when he’s not feeling well, injured, not injured.”
GORAN IVANISEVIC
former Wimbledon champion and Djokovic’s coach since 2019.
“Well done again Novak, I’m sure 24 feels as great as one, especially when you have fought so hard to get where you are and to stay there against a growing tide of challengers… Take another bow, champ!”
ROD LAVER
11-time Grand Slam champion