Some may look at the score line of the US Open final between Djokovic and Del Potro and think that it was a relatively routine straight sets victory for Djokovic. The score line read 6-3, 7-6, 6-3. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Make no mistake, this was a hard fought, lights out tennis final between two men who are at the top of their game.

Djokovic had to play some unbelievable tennis to win in straight sets, saving countless break points, especially in the second set. It really looked as if Del Potro was going to come away with the second set, but Novak’s fighting spirit and defensive abilities allowed him to stay in the set, and eventually win the tie break.

In the third set, Del Potro again had his chances. Novak again shut the door. It was a brilliant display by the now 14 Grand Slam champion. He has now tied Pete Sampras with 14 total Grand Slams, and with the way he’s playing, there’s no doubt he has a shot at catching up with Nadal, who has 17 Grand Slams.

Either way, nothing makes me happier than seeing two of my favorite tennis players duke it out in the US Open Final. Especially because both Djokovic and Del Potro have had some serious doubts about their games in the last couple of years. Nevertheless, here they were, unexpectedly in the final of the last slam of the year. Djokovic wasn’t even in the US Open last year because he missed it to address his ailing elbow. And when he did come back, he was losing to journey men. A lot of people, including myself did not expect him to make such a remarkable recovery and end up winning two Grand Slams this year. But here he is, the proud holder of both Wimbledon and the US Open in 2018.

Next up for Djokovic and Del Potro will be the Laver Cup. Let’s see of Delpo gets another shot at Novak!