Daniil Medvedev says he did not think the crowd at Flushing Meadows were booing him: US Open
US Open champion Daniil Medvedev says he did not feel there was any hostility towards him personally from the crowd during his victory over Novak Djokovic.
The chair umpire had to tell fans inside Arthur Ashe Stadium to settle down on several occasions when the Russian was at championship point.
“I don’t think they were booing me,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
Medvedev convincingly beat Djokovic 6-4 6-4 6-4 to claim his first Grand Slam honour.
The crowd at Flushing Meadows are known to create a raucous atmosphere during the major tournament and Medvedev produced three double faults as he tried to serve out for the title.
“There were a lot of Serbian fans,” said the 25-year-old. “I didn’t hear booing from my side, I heard screaming for Novak.
“Of course in those moments when I was doing second serves and double faults, it’s not easy because that doesn’t happen often, so you are not used to it.
Medvedev bats away boos
With Medvedev serving for his first major title at 40-15 in the third set, jeers could be heard amongst the din at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The 25-year-old proceeded to double fault, sparking jubilant roars among the New York crowd, but Medvedev swiftly collected himself to win the following point and secure the title.
“Wow, that was special,” Medvedev told CNN’s Carolyn Manno when asked about the partisan atmosphere.
“As soon as we went on the court, it was different to all the matches I played here before. You felt it was a special, special night, special evening, more for him and the crowd going for him and they tried so hard to get him on.
“They definitely didn’t want to disturb me on purpose, I doubt it, but of course before the second serve you get the screams, you make double fault, and the whole crowd goes crazy — it’s really tough.
“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,” he added.
No stranger to playing the villain in New York, Medvedev’s tolerant reaction was a far cry from his response to boos at the US Open two years ago, when the Russian was subsequently fined for unsportsmanlike conduct and a visible obscenity during his victory over Spain’s Feliciano Lopez.
As he was continuously booed throughout his post-match interview, Medvedev waved his encouragement and told the crowd: “I won because of you.”
‘Pure happiness’ for Medvedev
Boos aside, a superb victory marked a crowning achievement for Medvedev, made all the sweeter by the pain of the two grand slam final defeats that came before.
He was pipped to his first US Open final in an exhilarating five-set bout against Rafael Nadal two years ago, before suffering a straight-sets defeat to Djokovic at the Australian Open final in February.
Flipping the script in New York, Medvedev revealed he had doubts ahead of his first triumph.
“It’s pure happiness,” he told CNN.
‘I’m sorry’: Medvedev feels for tearful Djokovic
Djokovic too has been on the end of jeers at the venue in the past, but there was only overwhelming love for the Serb this time round.
Six years ago during his triumph over Roger Federer, Djokovic found himself as the firm second favorite of the New York crowd, but was roared on throughout in his pursuit of a record 21st grand slam against Medvedev.
Sat in his chair at 5-4 in the third set, an immense swell of encouragement saw an emotional Djokovic shed tears as he covered his face with his towel before returning to the baseline.
“I said sorry to him,” Medvedev revealed to CNN when asked what he said to Djokovic at the net following his win.
“Tennis is such a brutal sport — there is two guys and one is going to lose no matter if it’s the first round or the final.
“I always watch Novak, Rafa [Nadal], Roger [Federer] play these finals and I feel like every time in the speech they’re sorry for their opponent because they know how it feels.
Some pictures of Daniil Medvedev in Us Open wining Moment











