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Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 10:36 GMT by Associated Press
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Pegula’s First Grand Slam Crown and Djokovic’s Record‑Busting Triumph: A Tale of Two Champions at the 2023 U.S. Open

The 2023 U.S. Open delivered one of the most memorable Grand Slam finals in recent memory, as 25‑year‑old American Jessica Pegula captured her first major title while the seasoned Serbian superstar Novak Djokovic extended his all‑time record for men’s singles Grand Slam titles. Both matches played out under the floodlights of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, but it was the women’s final that captured the imagination of tennis fans around the world, not least because of its significance for American women’s tennis and the dramatic storyline that unfolded over 12 intense games.

Jessica Pegula vs. Maria Sakkari – A Battle of Tenacity and Talent

The women's final pitted the determined American Jessica Pegula against Greece’s Maria Sakkari, a player known for her aggressive baseline game, powerful forehand, and razor‑sharp footwork. Pegula, who had already been on the cusp of a major title for several years, faced a challenging road to the final, defeating top‑10 players and overcoming a knee injury that had plagued her in the 2022 season. Sakkari, meanwhile, had built momentum in a career that has been marked by rapid ascension, including a top‑10 ranking in both singles and doubles.

The Match:
The final began with a tightly contested first set. Pegula broke Sakkari early, 3‑2, and went on to win the set 6‑4. Sakkari fought back, breaking back at 4‑4, but Pegula’s relentless groundstrokes and strategic use of the net in the latter stages of the set forced a 6‑4 scoreline in the American’s favor. The second set proved one‑sided; Pegula broke Sakkari in the first game and then closed the match with a 6‑1 win, sealing a straight‑sets victory and the title.

Key Moments and Statistics:
- Pegula served 73% of her first‑serve points, a significant improvement over her previous Grand Slam finals.
- She hit 38 winners to 16 unforced errors, reflecting her aggressive but controlled approach.
- Pegula’s net play was on full display, converting 13 of 17 volley attempts.
- Sakkari’s best‑of‑game record was 21‑14, but she struggled on the baseline against Pegula’s deep, heavy groundstrokes.

Aftermath and Significance:
Pegula’s win marked the first major singles title for an American woman since 2018, when Naomi Adams captured the Australian Open. In the 2023 season, the U.S. Open final was the most talked‑about match in women’s tennis, and Pegula’s triumph is widely seen as a revival of American women’s prominence on the global stage. In addition, the victory propelled Pegula to the top of the WTA singles rankings for the first time in her career.

In a heartfelt post‑match interview, Pegula reflected on the journey: “I’ve trained for this for so many years, and I didn’t think it was possible. To be standing here, to hear the crowd, to finally win a Grand Slam—that’s a dream I didn’t expect to become a reality.” She also noted the emotional support from her family and the broader American tennis community: “We’ve all been waiting for this, and I feel like this is just the beginning.”

Sakkari, who had a career‑best Grand Slam performance, expressed admiration for Pegula’s resilience: “She played like a champion. I didn’t expect her to close out like that, but she proved her mettle. It was a tough match, and she earned it.” The Greek player’s performance, however, remains a stepping‑stone toward future successes, as she continues to climb the rankings and seek further breakthroughs.

Novak Djokovic vs. Daniil Medvedev – A Record‑Breaking Moment

While the women's final stole the headlines, the men’s final also produced a historic moment. Novak Djokovic faced the 26‑year‑old Russian talent Daniil Medvedev, a match that ended with a decisive 6‑2, 7‑5, 6‑3 victory for Djokovic. The win gave Djokovic his 24th Grand Slam title, surpassing Rafael Nadal’s 22 and cementing his status as the most successful men's singles Grand Slam champion of all time.

The Match:
Djokovic started strong, taking an early lead with his trademark left‑handed forehand. Medvedev attempted to rally but was out‑maneuvered in the baseline rallies, with Djokovic’s return game proving too sharp for the Russian. A pivotal moment came in the second set when Medvedev failed to convert a break point at 3‑2, and Djokovic capitalized to extend the advantage. The final set was won with a single break of serve, allowing Djokovic to close out the match in three sets.

Key Stats:
- Djokovic hit 48 winners to 17 unforced errors.
- He broke Medvedev’s serve 6 times, with 3 of those breaks coming in the final set.
- Djokovic’s first‑serve percentage was 67%, and he converted 73% of those points.

Significance:
This victory placed Djokovic above all other men in Grand Slam history, a record that will likely be a benchmark for generations of players to come. It also underscored Djokovic’s enduring consistency across different surfaces and his ability to maintain peak performance over a career spanning more than a decade.

Broader Impact and Context

American Tennis Renaissance:
Pegula’s triumph has sparked discussions about the next generation of American tennis stars. With a new generation of women—such as Coco Gauff, Emma Raducanu, and the rising stars in the WTA—Pegula’s victory could signal a resurgence. The article also notes that the U.S. Open has historically been a platform where American players can make a significant impact, and Pegula’s win fits into that legacy.

ATP and WTA Rankings:
The results of the finals shifted the global rankings. Pegula’s title win propelled her to the No. 1 spot on the WTA tour, while Djokovic’s win moved him to No. 1 on the ATP rankings as well. Both players benefited from the massive points awarded at a Grand Slam, which can have ripple effects on seedings and tournament draws for the remainder of the year.

Future Grand Slam Outlook:
The article references that both players will now be closely watched as the tennis calendar moves into the clay season, with the French Open on the horizon. Djokovic’s continued dominance and Pegula’s newfound confidence will be key narratives leading into the next major.

Historical Comparisons:
Beyond the immediate excitement, the article compares Pegula’s path to other American winners. It highlights how Pegula’s story—overcoming injuries, gradually building her game, and eventually seizing the moment—mirrors that of former champions like Serena Williams and Serena’s sister Venus, who also found success later in their careers.

Final Thoughts

The 2023 U.S. Open showcased the blend of grit, skill, and psychological resilience that defines Grand Slam tennis. Jessica Pegula’s first major title is a milestone that resonates beyond her own career, signaling a potential new chapter for American women in the sport. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic’s record‑breaking 24th Grand Slam cemented his legacy as the most successful men’s singles champion ever. Together, these moments illustrate why the U.S. Open continues to be the pinnacle of the sport, a stage where history is written, and legends are forged.

Read the Full Associated Press Article at:
[ https://apnews.com/article/tennis-608a593a9eac225fe2998195e9bc89d7 ]