Daniil Medvedev's hilarious apology to wife for 'pretty s--t' wedding anniversary gift wins over US Open final crowd
When Daniil Medvedev won his only grand slam title at the US Open ironically against Novak Djokovic, he did so in the week of his wedding anniversary with wife Daria.
And two years later, he hoped to do it again.
"When I won, I was like 'what a great anniversary gift for my wife'. Pretty shit one today," he joked in his post-match interview.
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"Today again is the anniversary, so I thought like 'come on, do it one more time'."
Later in his victory speech, Djokovic lifted the roof off Arthur Ashe Stadium when he also apologised to Daria and suggested he might have let Medvedev win had he known.
Daniil Medvedev apologised to his wife for losing the US Open final on their wedding anniversary. Nine
"I'm sorry about the result today and please don't take this in the wrong way. Happy anniversary to your wife. I'm sorry, I'm sorry," he said with a laugh.
"It comes from a good place. Honestly, you know, if I knew that the anniversary is today, maybe, you know, the result..."
The apology was able to draw a grin from Daria in the stands.
Both finalists' speeches were full of lighthearted jabs. Medvedev was first to poke the bear when he seemed to ask when the 36-year-old Djokovic was planning to retire.
"What are you still doing here? Come on," he said.
"What is it, our third final? Maybe not the last ... I mean you're probably going to be in many, in many more. When are you planning to slow down a little bit?
"I feel like I've had not a bad career and I have 20 titles. You have 24 grand slams. Wow."
Djokovic's 24th career title at the final slam of the year draws him level with Margaret Court on the all-time list. Considering he makes grand slam finals almost at-will, his surpassing that record seems almost a given.
He will go into the next grand slam, the season-opening Australian Open, as defending champion. He's won the tournament a record 10 times.
"I had the childhood dream … to become the best player in the world and win the Wimbledon trophy," he said.
"That was the only thing I wanted. But then when I realised that, obviously I started to dream new dreams and set new objectives, new goals.
"I never imagined I would be here standing with you talking about 24 slams. I never thought that that would be the reality.
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"But, you know, the last couple of years I felt I have a chance, I have a shot at history.
"Why not grab it if it's presented?"
As he's done following his previous slam wins, Djokovic made his speech wearing a custom white jacket with '24' emblazoned on the chest.
His family and box were all wearing them too. He dedicated the win to them.
Watch the US Open 2023 final on catch up on 9Now
"I'm really living my childhood dream to compete at the highest level in the sport that has given me and my family so much," he said.
"Coming from very difficult circumstances and adversities during the nineties, a couple of wars in our country, and being able to push through.
"My parents made a lot of sacrifices to support me to play … the sport that is a very expensive sport, not accessible, not affordable. But I fell in love with tennis. No one had played tennis in my family before. It was quite a choice (for them).
"(To) all the people around me all these years – my wife, my kids, my team, everyone that is there, this is your trophy as much as it is mine. This is your success. I love you."
