Daniil Medvedev didn’t want Novak Djokovic’s help.
In the third set of the U.S. Open final, Medvedev fell to the court after an intense rally with the eventual title winner Djokovic, in which he lost the point by tripping over his own feet while trying to return a hit just out of reach.
Medvedev appeared to take the opportunity to catch his breath and regroup from the ground at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday.
After a few moments, Djokovic approached the net, looking as if he was attempting to playfully engage with Medvedev.
Medvedev held a thumbs up to Djokovic, who seemed to be asking his opponent if he was OK.
“He’s [Medvedev] saying ‘wait one moment’,” one commentator assessed, commenting on Medvedev’s apparent exhaustion.
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In an act of sportsmanship, Djokovic then climbed over the net and held out a hand to help Medvedev off the ground, but his efforts were waved off.
“Djokovic was gonna step over and have a little fun but Daniil kind of waved him off,” another commentator said.
At the time of the incident, the second-seeded Djokovic had a two-set, 6-3, 7-6 (5), lead over No. 3 Medvedev.
After a few more moments, Medvedev sat up on his own and assessed any potential injuries.
Medvedev appeared to have a slight scratch on his elbow from the fall, but no other injuries occurred.
It was tough for Medvedev to keep up with Djokovic, who closed out the victory with another 6-3 set, solidifying his 24th title and tying Margaret Court’s all-time mark.
