NEW YORK, KOMPAS.com - Petenis tunggal putra asal Serbia, Novak Djokovic keluar sebagai juara turnamen Amerika Terbuka ( US Open ) 2018, Senin (10/9/2018) pagi WIB.
Di partai final Djokovic yang berstatus unggulan keenam mengalahkan unggulan ketiga asal Argentina, Juan Martin del Potro .
Bermain di Arthur Ashe Stadium, Djokovic menang tiga gim langsung dengan skor 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) dan 6-3.
Ini adalah gelar US Open ketiga Djokovic sepanjang kariernya. Secara keseluruhan, Djokovic kini berada di peringkat ketiga peraih gelar Grand Slam tunggal putra terbanyak.
Petenis berusia 31 tahun itu menyamai legenda Amerika Serikat Pete Sampras dengan koleksi 14 gelar Grand Slam.
"Saya berharap Pete Sampras bisa berada di sini dan nyatanya tidak. Saya hanya ingin mengatakan bahwa saya sangat mencintai Pete. Dia adalah idola saya," ujar Djokovic dikutip dari BBC Sport seusai laga.
Baca juga: US Open 2018 - Kemenangan Naomi Osaka dan Protes Keras Serena Williams pada Laga Final
From one champion to another. These are the moments we love to see... #USOpen pic.twitter.com/MfmZbWV0B1
Djokovic hanya kalah dari Roger Federer yang mengoleksi 20 gelar serta Rafael Nadal dengan raihan 17 trofi Grand Slam.
Sementara itu, kekalahan dari Djokovic membuat penantian Del Potro untuk meraih gelar Grand Slam sejak 2009 belum juga berakhir.
Meskipun meraih hasil minor, Del Potro bangga dengan pencapaiannya, terlebih setelah kembali dari cidera. Del Potro juga tidak lupa memuji Djokovic seusai laga.
"Saya tidak pernah menyerah ketika mengalami cedera pergelangan tangan. Saya bangga bisa kembali ke sini setelah sembilan tahun. Ini sangat luar biasa. US Open adalah turnamen favorit saya," kata Del Potro.
Baca juga: Naomi Osaka Buka Suara Soal Kontroversi di Final US Open 2018 Melawan Serena Williams
"Saya bangga bisa bermain di final melawan idola saya. Saya sedih harus kalah tapi juga bahagia melihat Djokovic juara," ucap Del Potro menambahkan.
Dengan hasil final US Open ini, catatan buruk Del Potro kala menghadapi Djokovic bertambah. Del Potro hanya bisa meraih empat kemenangan dari 19 laga melawan Djokovic.
What a difference a year makes. Twelve months ago, Novak Djokovic wasn't even playing in the US Open while trying rehab a nagging elbow injury that eventually required surgery. Now, he's the champ.
Djokovic captured his 14th Grand Slam title on Sunday at Arthur Ashe Stadium, defeating Juan Martin del Potro in the US Open men's final. Djokovic made relatively quick work of del Potro, beating him, 6-4, 7-6, 6-3.
Despite Sunday's defeat, del Potro's run at this year's tournament was something special. After defeating Roger Federer to win the US Open title in 2009 , del Potro has had a tumultuous journey back to the championship stage. He nearly quit tennis after undergoing four wrist surgeries (three of them on his left wrist) that left him in a deep depression and had him seriously weighing retirement.
Djokovic faced similar questions about whether he'd ever get back to another major final with his elbow woes, but after his triumph at Wimbledon in July, and with the more heralded -- and older -- Rafael Nadal and Federer showing signs of slowing down, another reign of the Djoker looks very real in men's tennis.
Sunday's victory is Djokovic's second straight Grand Slam title. He also was crowned champion at Wimbledon after beating Kevin Anderson in the final. This is Djokovic's third win at the US Open, having won previously in 2011 and 2015.
It wasn't an easy victory for Djokovic – this was his first match all tournament that went beyond the three-hour mark – but it was an impressive victory for the Serbian. He continued to move and strike the ball well, playing a tight game and often looking impenetrable defensively.
Defense like a BRICK WALL!@DjokerNole breaks Del Potro to go ahead in the 3rd set...#USOpen pic.twitter.com/Bxx6bwy5rs — US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 9, 2018
To reach Sunday's final, Djokovic brought the heat to Kei Nishikori in Friday night's semifinal, wearing down the 2014 Open runner-up with his stellar defense in a dominating performance. Djokovic was just that much better than Nishikori in a 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win to reach his record-tying eighth final in New York.
Del Potro, the No. 3 seed from Argentina, advanced in Friday's other semifinal when defending champion Nadal, who retired from their semifinal because of a painful right knee after dropping the opening two sets. Nadal is the first man to retire from a semifinal or final at the US Open since the professional era began in 1968. The final score was 7-6, 6-2.
Djokovic and del Potro had squared off 18 times but never in a major final prior to Sunday. Against Djokovic, del Potro is 4-15 in his career, including 0-4 in majors.
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Tennis: Novak Djokovic has won his 14th Grand Slam title, downing Juan Martin Del Portro in straight sets to claim the US Open.
NOVAK Djokovic has won his 14th grand slam title just weeks after his career appeared to be at the crossroads when he slumped to a rankings low of No. 22 in the world.
Djokovic survived an epic second set that took 96 minutes before running through the third set to take the US Open men’s singles crown 6-3 7-6 6-3 in three hours and 15 minutes.against Juan Martin del Potro.
Djokovic crumpled to the court on Arthur Ashe Stadium as he celebrated his second-straight grand slam crown which has seen him join legend Pete Sampras in equal-third position on the list of career grand slam winners.
Del Potro was also unable to control his emotions after the match — letting the tears come when he finally got a moment to himself when sitting down on his chair before the official trophy presentation.
The Argentine champion was all smiles while embracing Djokovic at the net after their showdown — but the defeat finally weighed on him when he found his chair.
Djokovic then pulled del Potro out of his grief when he came over to support his opponent in a classy moment of pure sportsmanship.
Love the sportsmanship of Novak Djokovic. Juan Martin del Potro should feel great pride in his performance. #USOpen — Bobby Ilich (@BobbyIlich) September 9, 2018
Novak Djokovic was extraordinary today, the Unbeatable Beast of 2011, 2015.
But as he comforted a distraught del Potro before the trophy presentation, I wondered: what if he had taken most of his chances? Will he get another chance? #USOpen — ZENIA D'CUNHA (@ZENIADCUNHA) September 9, 2018
Después de lo de ayer, este abrazo de Djokovic a Delpo es puro amor y pura deportividad. Grande el serbio!!! pic.twitter.com/mZo66hpvG0 — José Morón (@jmgmoron) September 9, 2018
The two champions again showed their class during the presentations when they were given their chance to address the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd.
“This is not easy to speak right now, but I love you too, guys,” del Potro said.
“I’m so happy to be playing the final against this magnificent idol.
“He knows he’s one player I want to watch winning titles. Congrats to Novak. You deserve to win.”
Del Potro revealed in his post-match press conference that he had been crying again before walking into the conference room.
“I was crying until now. I’m very sad to be a loser today, but Novak deserves it and played a great match,” he said.
Djokovic won plenty of admirers when he shared his respect for del Potro and Sampras during his on-court interview.
He also won $US3.8 million to climb back ahead of Roger Federer on the list of all-time career prize money earners in tennis.
The win has also seen Djokovic climb up to second behind Rafael Nadal on the ATP Tour finals race for the year-ending No. 1 ranking.
Legend John McEnroe said nobody expected Djokovic to be able to make such a dramatic comeback after his rankings slide earlier this year.
“I expected him to come back, absolutely,” McEnroe told ESPN.
“Did I expect it to be this emphatic? No I did not.”
Djokovic, playing in his eighth final in New York and already the champion in 2011 and 2015, is now just three Slams behind Rafael Nadal and six back from the record 20 held by Roger Federer.
It was also the third time the 31-year-old Serb had completed the Wimbledon-US Open double.
For world No. 3 Del Potro, it was a heartbreaking experience coming in just his second Slam final, nine years after he was crowned US Open champion.
Del Potro was left to lament his failure to capitalise on break point opportunities in the second set — highlighted by a marathon 20-minute service game where Djokovic saved three break points.
It was also the moment of the match where Djokovic lost his temper with the New York crowd — which was heavily pulling for the Argentine underdog.
The 21-point service game was too much for some supporters, including Hollywood actor Meryl Streep, who was spotted cheering on from the stands.
meryl streep’s reaction to that last del potro-djokovic point was everything pic.twitter.com/yTVCKlu1p0 — Alison Mah (@alisonmah) September 9, 2018
The incredible drama caused Djokovic to briefly lose it when he turned around and appeared to scream at supporters in the stands. He was also spotted putting his index finger to his lips in a bid to silence his detractors.
An Argentine cheer squad was also cautioned for cheering in between Djokovic’s first and second serves.
From that moment on Djokovic had completely lost the crowd and the Serbian champion appeared furious at the circumstances he found himself in serving down 4-3.
Commentators declared Djokovic’s anger was out of line as the match reached fever-pitch and the crowd could sense a del Potro fightback.
One American sports commentator even labelled Djokovic “obnoxious”.
Djokovic the conductor telling crowd when to shut up and when sound up!! 😂👌🏻🤚✋👋🏻🙌🏻🤛🏻👇🏼 — Daphne Zuniga (@DaphneZuniga) September 9, 2018
Djokovic already hating the crowd. Will never be loved. Impossible. — dave whelan (@MrDavidWhelan) September 9, 2018
Seriously, @DjokerNole? It’s the final of the #USOpen. The roof is closed. Your temper is obnoxious. If you’re a seasoned player, you should be able to handle distractions. — Chris Gloninger NBC10 Boston (@ChrisGNBCBoston) September 9, 2018
Why is #Djokovic complaining so much for the noise? Common @DjokerNole we love you but when you make a point you like the praise and when your opponent makes a point you complain about the noise. Just breathe & play 😀your both great! — Joyce Giraud (@joycegiraud) September 9, 2018
Del Potro has chiselled out a break back and Djokovic getting annoyed with the crowd noise. But still on serve in 2nd set, Delpo leading 4-3. — Mike Dickson (@Mike_Dickson_DM) September 9, 2018
‘Otherworldly’ Djokovic ‘demoralises’ Del Potro Novak Djokovic left commentators stunned as he continued to cut down Juan Martin del Potro’s booming serve. Mid-way through the second set, Djokovic’s ability to deny del Potro free-points on his first serve saw him return 39 of the Argentine giant’s 42 serves in play. The reigning Wimbledon champion’s ability to turn del Potro’s weapon against him left American legend John McEnroe in awe. “That’s just demoralising for del Potro,” McEnroe told ESPN. “That’s unbelievable, even for him. It’s pretty much otherworldly. Crazy.” Amazing 😉 stat so far Djoker 36-40 returns in play so far vs Del-Thor serv — Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) September 9, 2018 Del Potro, however, was able to break on the next service game to tie the first set up at 3-3. Share
Djokovic exposes US Open glitch Novak Djokovic went ahead with a crucial break of serve to lead 2-1 in the second set. Juan Martin del Potro’s failure to find a way through the Djokovic wall on the baseline had commentators concerned that the altered speed of the court has heavily favoured the Serbian champion. It was revealed earlier in the tournament that the US Tennis Association deliberately slowed the pace of the courts in a failed attempt to aid American players. Aussie tennis coach Darren Cahill told ESPN in the first set the Arthur Ashe Stadium court has produced “the slowest conditions I’ve seen for the entire two weeks”. Djokovic playing great but the court is so slow. Massive advantage to Novak with Delpo struggling to hit through it. #USOpen — Jason Le Miere (@JasonLeMiere) September 9, 2018 This is seriously good from Djokovic. Breaks for a 2-1 lead at the start of the second. Del Potro can't hit through him and just looks a little lost at the moment. Needs to find his big weapons and quick if he's to turn this around. Novak looks incredibly comfortable. — George Bellshaw (@BellshawGeorge) September 9, 2018 Share
Novak Djokovic has won back-to-back Grand Slam titles for the first time since June 2016
Novak Djokovic produced an impeccable performance to beat Juan Martin del Potro in the US Open final and win his 14th Grand Slam title.
The 31-year-old Serb won 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 to earn his third triumph in New York and equal American great Pete Sampras' haul of major trophies.
Djokovic, who won Wimbledon in July, will climb to third in the world after back-to-back Grand Slam victories.
Only great rivals Roger Federer (20) and Rafael Nadal (17) have won more.
Argentine third seed Del Potro, 29, was playing his first Grand Slam final since winning the 2009 US Open, having almost quit the game in 2015 because of multiple wrist injures.
A fairytale finish at Flushing Meadows was not to be, however, as former world number one Djokovic's quality shone through.
Djokovic, who was seeded sixth, is one of only eight men to win the Wimbledon-US Open double and has now accomplished that feat for a third time.
The Serb walloped a forehand volley to safety on his first match point, dropping to the floor and spreading out on his back with his arms and legs outstretched in celebration.
After hugging his great friend at the net, Djokovic jumped into his box to celebrate with his wife Jelena and team. Del Potro broke down in uncontrollable tears on his chair.
"It is not easy to speak right now," Del Potro said on court. "I'm sad because I lose but I'm happy for Novak."
After the controversy surrounding Serena Williams' defeat by Naomi Osaka in Saturday's women's final, a high-quality match between two of the top male players ensured tennis was once again the talking point.
Most Grand Slam titles - men's singles 20 Roger Federer (Swi) 17 Rafael Nadal (Spa) 14 Novak Djokovic (Ser), Pete Sampras (US) 12 Roy Emerson (Aus)
Djokovic continues renaissance to blunt Del Potro
Juan Martin del Potro (right) had been seeking a first Grand Slam title since 2009
Djokovic had a barren spell between winning the 2016 French Open, where he completed the career Grand Slam, and his fourth triumph at Wimbledon in the summer.
Struggling physically with an elbow injury and seemingly suffering mentally after what he described as "personal problems", he went eight Slams without reaching the semi-finals until Wimbledon.
His performances at the All England Club indicated he was back close to his best and he has shown the same shot-making, stamina and steeliness at Flushing Meadows.
Djokovic, who struggled with the New York humidity in the first two rounds, did not drop a set from the third round onwards.
The Serb had not faced a big server like Del Potro in his run to the final and showed all of his remarkable retrieving skills to frustrate his opponent.
Before the final, Del Potro had seen 41% of his serves unreturned in the tournament.
That figure dropped to 17% in the first set as Djokovic wore him down in some long rallies.
Djokovic had not threatened Del Potro's serve until the eighth game of the match, clinically taking his only break point as the Argentine buckled first.
Del Potro said he felt many of his shots would have been winners against players other than Djokovic.
"I was playing at my limit almost all the time, looking for winners," he said. "But couldn't make them because Novak was there almost every time.
"I took the risks with my forehand because it was the only way to beat this kind of player. My mistakes were because of his level.
"Novak is too fast. His defence is good. It is really difficult to beat a player like Novak."
Novak Djokovic's 14 Grand Slam titles Australian Open 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016 French Open 2016 Wimbledon 2011, 2014, 2015, 2018 US Open 2011, 2015, 2018
Djokovic keeps pro-Del Potro crowd quiet
Del Potro has a fervent support at the US Open and was backed by a noisy support as thousands of Argentine fans descended on the Arthur Ashe Stadium wearing their national colours of light blue and white.
It made for a partisan atmosphere in the biggest tennis stadium in the world and, with the roof closed because of rain, led to a cauldron of noise.
At times it resembled a football match rather than a tennis match.
"You can win or lose a trophy but the love of the crowd is even bigger than the tournament and that's what I got. It will be in my heart for the rest of my life," Del Potro said.
Djokovic occasionally seemed annoyed by the support with the noise as British umpire Alison Hughes had to constantly plead with the crowd to remain quiet during points.
The atmosphere ignited again in the second set when Del Potro broke back to level at 3-3, before Djokovic silenced them with a courageous hold - after a 20-minute game lasting 22 points and in which he saved three break points to level at 4-4.
That proved to be the key moment in the match.
It enabled Djokovic to go on and take the second-set tie-break following four unforced errors from Del Potro's forehand - including one on set point.
From that point a Djokovic victory looked inevitable and, after Del Potro wiped out a final-set break at 3-1 in the following game, the Argentine produced a double fault to give Djokovic another chance for a 5-3 lead.
Trying to force the issue, he hammered a backhand wide and Djokovic broke before serving out for victory.
Despite defeat, world number three Del Potro remained proud after an achievement he never thought would have been possible during his injury hell.
"I never gave up when I had the wrist problems," he said.
"I got here to the final after nine years which is amazing because this is my favourite tournament on tour."
Analysis
BBC tennis correspondent Russell Fuller
It was after watching Pete Sampras win Wimbledon - while sitting in his parents' pizza parlour as a six-year-old - that Djokovic decided tennis was the sport for him.
He has rarely looked so ecstatic in his moment of victory: falling on to his back on the same court where his idol won his 14th and final Grand Slam 16 years ago.
Djokovic won with his customary elastic defence, and regular forays to the net. He was just a little better than Del Potro at the key moments - especially in a 95-minute second set, where he saved three break points in an eighth game which stretched to eight deuces and 20 minutes.
This time last year Djokovic was injured and uncertain about his future direction. Six months away from the Tour helped him rediscover his motivation and appreciate just why he wanted to continue.
He has been the dominant player of the summer and could now end the year as the world number one. It has been a remarkable turnaround from a man who now threatens to dominate the men's game once more.
