Tearful Novak Djokovic explains how six-year-old daughter helped him win US Open

Novak Djokovic says he will 'keep going' after US Open win

Novak Djokovic had the perfect courtside coach to help inspire him to his fourth US Open title on Sunday evening – his six-year-old daughter. The legendary Serb, who regained his status as world No. 1 on Monday, collected a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title after beating third seed Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 in a contest that was more gruelling than the straights sets result suggests.

The 36-year-old needed to dig deep to see off his Russian opponent, particularly in the second set, which he eventually edged on a tie-break. But speaking after his historic triumph, Djokovic explained how his daughter Tara had been his ‘inspiration’ throughout the contest.

He told Eurosport: “I was watching her the entire match. She showed me the fist pump. She is only six years old, and in exactly the moments when I needed to have this playfulness and this joy and to relax a little bit in high stress – particularly in the second set – she looked at me and she gave me this energy.

“I love her so much, and to have her, my wife, my son [Stefan] and my parents. This is their trophy as well.”

Soon after winning the match Djokovic celebrated by inviting his young daughter onto the court. The number two seed was tearful as she was passed into his arms and he held her tightly.

But there were no tears from Tara, who instead offered a beaming smile, much to the delight of the congregation.

Djokovic’s 24th slam equals the record set by the Australian Margaret Court before the advent of the Open era, but perhaps more significantly moves him two ahead of rival Rafael Nadal, who is now close to retirement.

The win was also a demonstration of the Serb’s resilience, having bounced back from losing the Wimbledon final to Carlos Alcaraz in July.

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Having already won the Australian and French Opens this season, Djokovic told the crowd at the Arthur Ashe Stadium: “It obviously means the world to me. I’m living my childhood dream to compete in this sport at the top.

“To make history of this sport is truly remarkable and special. I never thought I would be talking about 24 Slams but last couple of years I thought I had a shot.”

Djokovic missed last year’s US Open due to strict rules for individuals who are not vaccinated against Covid-19. But with those measures now relaxed, he was able to make a triumphant return this year, reversing his 2021 defeat at the hands of Medvedev in the process.

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