US Open tennis 2023 in pictures: Novak Djokovic's special tribute to 'close friend' Kobe Bryant after 24th grand slam victory
Djokovic's special tribute to Kobe Bryant
Following his victory over Daniil Medvedev, Novak Djokovic pulled on a Kobe Bryant "Mamba Forever" t-shirt in a touching tribute to the late basketball legend.
Celebrating his 24th grand slam victory, the No.24 was also the number Bryant wore during his NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Asked about the "Mamba Mentality" post-match, Djokovic said; "Kobe was a close friend. We chatted a lot about winning [and] the winner's mentality".
"When I was struggling, you know, with the injury and trying to make my comeback, work my way back to the top of the game. You know, he was one of the people that I relied on the most. He was always there for any kind of counsel or advice, any kind of support in the most friendly way.
"So of course, what happened a few years ago and him and his daughter passing hurt me deeply. And I thought, you know, 24 is the jersey that he wore when he became a legend of the Lakers and world basketball. So I thought, you know, it could be a nice symbolic thing to acknowledge him."
Bryant and his daughter Gianna died in a helicopter crash in 2020.
Djokovic adds more silverware
Novak Djokovic poses with the championship trophy after defeating Daniil Medvedev in the final at the US Open.
The 36-year-old adds to his 2011, 2015 and 2018 titles at Flushing Meadows.
Following the tournament, Djokovic will also leapfrog Carlos Alcaraz to return to the top of the ATP rankings.
Medvedev gracious in defeat
Daniil Medvedev poses with the finalist trophy following his runner-up finish against Novak Djokovic at the US Open.
During his speech, Medvedev brashly apologised to his wife for not clinching the title on their wedding anniversary.
Medvedev won his sole US Open title on the date of the couple's anniversary in 2021.
Team Novak show off customised jackets
As has been the case following his previous titles, Novak Djokovic donned a custom Lacoste jacket with No.24 emblazoned on the front.
His box, including his two young children, were also seen wearing the memorabilia.
Djokovic savours special family moment
Novak Djokovic embraces his daughter, Tara, after defeating Daniil Medvedev in the US Open final.
Djokovic claims historic 24th title
Novak Djokovic celebrates after extending his men's grand slam singles record to 24 titles.
The Serbian superstar defeated Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3 to claim his fourth US Open championship.
With the victory, Djokovic levels Margaret Court's record of 24 grand slam titles before the Open era.
Djokovic takes monster second set
Novak Djokovic wrestled the second set back onto his terms to clinch it in a tiebreak.
At 6-5, on Djokovic's serve, Medvedev had a set point but was unable to consolidate.
Needing one hour and 44 minutes to separate the pair, Djokovic emerged the 7-6(5) winner.
Djokovic collapses in 'pure exhaustion'
Novak Djokovic collapses to the ground after a point against Daniil Medvedev.
In a match packed with epic rallies, Djokovic needed a breather after he found the net following a brutal 31-shot rally in the second set.
"Medvedev has to get a lift out of that - Djokovic showing almost pure exhaustion there," Australian tennis legend Todd Woodbridge said in commentary for Nine.
Gauff's touching tribute to tennis pioneer on anniversary of landmark decision
Coco Gauff was presented a cheque for $US3 million for winning the US Open. It's exactly the same amount that will be presented to either Daniil Medvedev or Novak Djokovic in the men's final.
The 2023 tournament marked the 50th anniversary of the US Open's landmark decision to award equal prize money to both men and women – the first major sports event to do so.
A member of the Original Nine, Billie Jean King was a part nine-player tournament and body that would eventually become the WTA.
For her successes both on and off the court, King entered the tennis' Hall of Fame in 1987.
The Flushing Meadows site of the tournament is also named in her honour.
"Thank you, Billie … for fighting for this," Gauff said as she was presented her cheque.
The winning kiss
Coco Gauff was sensational in her come-from-behind win over Aryna Sabalenka.
She deserved this moment with the championship trophy.
