China's Zhang Shuai, Aussie Sam Stosur win U.S. Open doubles title, Medvedev stuns Djokovic

APD NEWS

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In professional tennis, much like other elite sports, the "shelf life" is short – just ask the seasoned veterans who fell victim to the 18-year-old British sensation Emma Raducanu's ruthless backhand and serve. However, from time to time, experience triumphs over youth.

With the combined age of 69, China's 32-year-old Zhang Shuai and Aussie old-timer Samantha Stosur, ensured that the changing of the guard would not happen in the women's doubles final at this year's rejuvenated U.S. Open, as the pair produced a near-flawless performance to outclass American teens Coco Gauff and Catherine McNally 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 on Sunday night.

It was Zhang's second Grand Slam doubles title after winning the Australian Open trophy with Stosur in 2019. "I'm the only one for Chinese people in draw this year," said Zhang, who has come under huge pressure to deliver. "[Winning the title] is so special."

The sentiment was echoed by Stosur, who won the 2005 U.S. Open with American Lisa Raymond. "I can't believe I'm standing here with this trophy again 16 years later," Stosur said. "It has been an incredible two weeks."

"We were playing again a couple of youngsters who even though, they're so young, but they've got quite a bit of experience," Stosur added. "They just play fearless. Credit goes to them. I think they're a really great team. Again, no doubt they're going to be back in situations like this, challenging for titles. Not just yet, not today."

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Daniil Medvedev holds up the championship trophy after winning the men's singles final of the U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, U.S., September 12, 2021. /CFP

In contrast, another old stager Novak Djokovic was left in a somber mood. The world number one's dream of completing a calendar sweep of the Grand Slams was shattered by Daniil Medvedev in a tense men's singles final later in the day.

Medvedev's 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory makes him Russia's first Grand Slam champion since Maria Sharapova and the first Russian man to win a Slam since Marat Safin in 2005.

Having already won the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon titles this year, 34-year-old Djokovic was chasing a record 21st Grand Slam men's title at the U.S. Open, but at last he was burdened by the weight of history.

"Relief. I was glad it was over," a tearful Djokovic said. "The buildup for this tournament and everything that mentally, emotionally I had to deal with throughout the tournament in the last couple of weeks was just a lot. It was a lot to handle."

"I was just glad that finally the run is over. At the same time, I felt sadness, disappointment and also gratitude for the crowd and for that special moment that they created for me on the court," he added.

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Novak Djokovic applauds the crowd with teary eyes after the men's singles final of the U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, U.S., September 12, 2021. /CFP

The tears were flowing again during the trophy presentation as Djokovic thanked the U.S. Open fans, who cheered for the Serb's fightback throughout the hard-fought encounter.

"The amount of support and energy and love I got from the crowd was something I'll remember forever," Djokovic said. "That's the reason on the changeover I just teared up. The emotion, the energy was so strong. It's as strong as winning 21 Grand Slams. That's how I felt, very special. They touched my heart. These are the kind of moments that you cherish. It was just wonderful."

Despite the fresh setback and the fierce challenge imposed by a new generation of rising stars, Djokovic insisted he will come back stronger.

"The older guys are still hanging on. We're still trying to shine the light on the tennis world as much as we possibly can," he said. "I still want to keep going, try to win more Slams, play for my country. Those are the things that motivate me the most I think at this point."

(CGTN)