Novak Djokovic 'collapses' down to the court in bizarre scenes during US Open final
Novak Djokovic fell on the court in bizarre scenes during the US Open final.
Novak Djokovic collapsed down onto the court during his US Open final against Daniil Medvedev. In bizarre scenes, the second seed decided to drop to the floor after contesting a long rally at 3-3 in the second set.
Djokovic was facing Medvedev in the final of the US Open in a bid to win his 24th Grand Slam title while the Russian was looking for his second. A three-time champion in Flushing Meadows, he cruised through the first set 6-3 and was getting through his service games with ease in the second.
But there was a sudden change in his demeanour with Medvedev serving at 3-3, as Djokovic started to appear out of breath in between the points. After a lengthy exchange that saw the world No 3 get to advantage, the 36-year-old dropped down to the court at the end of the point, laying on his back and gasping for air.
"Another monster rally from Medvedev," Martina Navratilova said on Sky Sports. "Djokovic just collapses."
Jonathan Overend added: "Djokovic is down again as Medvedev wins a long, long battle. Djokovic breathing heavily." Having held a break point in the game, it was the 27-year-old who held and immediately put pressure on the struggling Serb.
Medvedev set up his first break point opportunity of the match in the next game. But the 23-time Major winner sprung back into life, firing down two volley winners to keep himself in it.
Suddenly re-energised, Djokovic spurred on the crowd as he waved his arms in the air after saving the break point. After a 12-minute game, he was able to hold on for 4-4.
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There were still some signs that Djokovic was struggling as he bent over to try and catch his breath following a rally at 5-5 that got Medvedev to game point. Once again, he still managed to find a winner to get to deuce on his opponent's serve with his arms aloft for the second time.
The second seed then saved a set point in the next game, forcing a tiebreak. After going a mini-break down, it was Djokovic who took the second set 7-6(5) after 105 minutes.