2021 US Open Men's Final Preview: Novak Djokovic against Daniil Medvedev

After countless matches, Novak Djokovic will play the most important match of his career today against Daniil Medvedev.

The US Open trophy is the prize but for Nova Djokovic, a lot more is on the line than just the trophy. Records, history, greatest of all time status is all on the line for Djokovic who will continue to play after today but today is a very special day indeed. His opponent Daniil Medvedev is ready to challenge him and the Russian believes he can win.

He played some smashing tennis to reach the US Open final albeit the draw was more than favourable for the Russian. He hasn't been tested at all but he also did not face a single top 10 opponent en route to the final. Gasquet, Koepfer, Andujar, Evans, Van de Zandschulp, Auger-Aliassime are solid players but none of them are considered as one of the best players in the world. So Djokovic will be the first real test for Medvedev and what a hard one it will be.

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The Serbian did not play his most dominant tennis en route to the final. His level was weaker than the one he showed at Wimbledon or Roland Garros but it was still more than enough to reach the final. Djokovic has made a habit of peaking at the right time and it happened against Zverev whom he bested in 5 sets after a tough battle. His road to the final included wins over Rune, Griekspoor, Nishikori, Brooksby, Berrettini and Zverev which is a very strong list of opponents.

He showed mental fortitude and resilience despite not playing his best tennis and he will need to play his best if he wants to take down Medvedev. The stakes are high and both players are capable of winning this match it only remains to be seen who will do it. Djokovic leads the H2H and won their last match in the Australian Open final quite easily.

Medvedev will need to play his best match ever if he wants to win. Djokovic won't need to play his best ever but he will need to be very sharp. With everything on the line, it's hard to see how Djokovic will not find what he needs to win this match. It starts at 22:00 CET.