By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday September 12, 2021
Daniil Medvedev saw his two sets and double-break lead dwindle to two sets and a single break in Sunday’s US Open final, and though it may not sound like time to worry, the Russian told reporters after he had won his first major title that things were looking a bit dicey for him.
Medvedev, who became the first Russian man to win the US Open title since Marat Safin in 2000, told reporters that he started to cramp late in the third and by the time he finished off his victory, he was truly relieved it was over.
“I started cramping at 5-3, I think because of the pressure at 5-2 where I had match points, I didn't make it,” he said. “My legs were gone after 5-3. At 5-4, left leg, I almost couldn't walk. If you really look the replay, when I walked to the towel, my leg was just going behind. I was trying not to show it. If Novak feels it, it's not good.”
Medvedev, who served brilliantly throughout the contest, and only surrendered on break of serve, had to deliver a big bomb to end the match on his terms.
“Again, 40-15, that's two match points,” he said. “I was like, ‘C'mon, go for an ace, just try to make it.’ I had a huge double-fault. Second one was like in the middle of the net. Okay, I have one more. Just try to make a first serve. I made it and I'm really happy.”
The 25-year-old is the ninth first-time US Open winner since 2009, when Juan Martin del Potro defeated Roger Federer in a five-set final.