For nearly two decades, Novak Djokovic has made Flushing Meadows one of his most defining battlegrounds. While Wimbledon represents his elegance and the Australian Open his dominance, the US Open symbolizes Djokovic’s resilience, his ability to fight against the odds, and his capacity to thrive in the face of pressure. With four titles (2011, 2015, 2018, 2023), 10+ finals, and countless classics against Federer, Nadal, and Murray, the Serb’s journey in New York has been filled with drama and brilliance.
Here are Novak Djokovic’s top ten matches at the US Open, ranked by a mixture of career importance, quality of tennis, and historical impact.
1. 2011 Final – Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal (6–2, 6–4, 6–7, 6–1)
If one match defines Djokovic’s transformation from challenger to undisputed champion, it is the 2011 US Open Final.
Coming into the match, Djokovic had already beaten Nadal in five finals that year, but doing so in New York, on Nadal’s favorite hard courts, would solidify his place as world number one. The Serb played with unmatched aggression, stepping inside the baseline and dictating play with his forehand and return.
The third set saw Nadal mount a fightback, snatching the tiebreak, but Djokovic’s ability to reset mentally was astonishing. He stormed through the fourth set 6–1, sealing his first US Open title.
👉 Legacy impact: This victory crowned Djokovic’s historic 2011 season (10 titles, 3 Grand Slams, 70–6 record). It was the year he dethroned both Federer and Nadal, changing the balance of men’s tennis.
2. 2011 Semifinal – Djokovic vs Roger Federer (6–7, 4–6, 6–3, 6–2, 7–5)
Arguably one of the most famous matches in US Open history. Federer, leading by two sets and holding double match point, looked destined for victory.
Then came the forehand heard around the world. Facing match point at 3–5 in the fifth, Djokovic ripped a fearless cross-court return winner, leaving Federer stunned and the crowd gasping. That single shot embodied Djokovic’s mental courage. He rode the momentum, broke Federer again, and completed one of the greatest comebacks in tennis history.
👉 Legacy impact: This was the match where Djokovic truly announced himself as Federer’s equal. It became a symbol of his refusal to surrender, no matter the scoreline.
3. 2015 Final – Djokovic vs Roger Federer (6–4, 5–7, 6–4, 6–4)
By 2015, Federer was enjoying a renaissance, and Arthur Ashe Stadium was packed with fans desperate to see him reclaim US Open glory. Djokovic, however, was unshaken.
The match was a showcase of clutch serving and unbreakable defense. Federer generated 23 break points, but Djokovic saved 19 of them, frustrating the Swiss at every turn. Despite the hostile crowd, Djokovic stayed composed, sealing his second US Open title.
👉 Legacy impact: This was one of Djokovic’s most mentally draining victories, proof that he could silence a pro-Federer audience and thrive under adversity. It also gave him his 10th Grand Slam title.
4. 2010 Semifinal – Djokovic vs Federer (5–7, 6–1, 5–7, 6–2, 7–5)
The year before his famous 2011 comeback, Djokovic had already shown his grit against Federer. In the 2010 semifinal, he trailed by two sets to one and faced two match points in the fifth set.
With nothing to lose, Djokovic played fearlessly, saving both points and rallying to a dramatic five-set victory. It was the first time he beat Federer at the US Open, a psychological breakthrough that set the stage for his future dominance.
👉 Legacy impact: This match marked Djokovic’s arrival as more than just the “third wheel” behind Federer and Nadal. He reached the final (losing to Nadal), but the semifinal win was a turning point in his rivalry with Federer.
5. 2018 Final – Djokovic vs Juan Martín del Potro (6–3, 7–6, 6–3)
After battling elbow surgery and a slump in form, Djokovic returned to the top in 2018. The US Open final against Del Potro was an emotional clash.
The Argentine was playing some of his best tennis since his 2009 triumph, but Djokovic’s consistency and tactical precision proved too much. The key moment came in the second set tiebreak, where Djokovic’s defense absorbed Del Potro’s power. Once he took a two-set lead, there was no looking back.
👉 Legacy impact: This was Djokovic’s 14th Slam, tying Pete Sampras. More importantly, it confirmed his comeback after many had written him off.
6. 2023 Final – Djokovic vs Daniil Medvedev (6–3, 7–6, 6–3)
At 36 years old, Djokovic was chasing history once again. Facing Medvedev, the man who had crushed his Grand Slam dream in 2021, Djokovic delivered a tactical masterclass.
The second set was the most crucial: a grueling 105-minute battle that Djokovic stole in the tiebreak. From there, he controlled the match, winning his 24th Grand Slam and becoming the oldest US Open champion in the Open Era.
👉 Legacy impact: This victory symbolized longevity and supremacy. Djokovic not only avenged his 2021 loss but also pushed the boundaries of what’s possible for an athlete in their late 30s.
7. 2012 Final – Djokovic vs Andy Murray (6–7, 5–7, 6–2, 6–3, 2–6)
Though Djokovic lost, this five-set marathon was an instant classic. Played in swirling winds, it tested both men’s endurance and patience.
Murray took the first two sets, but Djokovic roared back to level. In the deciding set, Murray’s resilience edged Djokovic’s fight, giving Britain its first male Grand Slam champion since 1936.
👉 Legacy impact: While Djokovic fell short, this match epitomized his grit. It also highlighted the depth of the “Big Four” era, where every Slam was a war.
8. 2013 Final – Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal (6–2, 3–6, 6–4, 6–1)
Another chapter in the legendary Djokovic–Nadal rivalry. Djokovic took the first set with clinical precision, but Nadal’s counterpunching and relentless defense wore him down.
The third set was pivotal: Djokovic had chances but couldn’t convert, and Nadal ran away with the fourth. Though Djokovic lost, the physical intensity and shot-making were extraordinary.
👉 Legacy impact: This was the last US Open meeting between the two legends. Nadal’s victory cemented his hard-court credentials, but Djokovic’s role in pushing him to the limit reinforced their rivalry as the most brutal in tennis.
9. 2021 Final – Djokovic vs Daniil Medvedev (4–6, 4–6, 4–6)
This was supposed to be the crowning moment of Djokovic’s career – the Calendar Grand Slam. Instead, the pressure proved overwhelming.
Medvedev outplayed him tactically, serving brilliantly and dictating rallies. Djokovic looked tense, unable to find his usual rhythm. But what made the match unforgettable was the raw emotion: in the final game, Djokovic broke down in tears, overwhelmed by the love of the New York crowd.
👉 Legacy impact: A painful loss, but also one of his most human moments. It showed the immense pressure he carried and how deeply he cares about his place in history.
10. 2012 Semifinal – Djokovic vs David Ferrer (2–6, 6–1, 6–4, 6–2)
This may not have the glamour of his Federer or Nadal clashes, but it showcased Djokovic’s resilience. After dropping the first set in stormy conditions, he adjusted, turning the match around with precision and patience.
👉 Legacy impact: It was a testament to Djokovic’s adaptability – winning even when conditions and momentum go against him.
🔹 Conclusion
Novak Djokovic’s legacy at the US Open is built on epic comebacks (2010 & 2011 vs Federer), career-defining triumphs (2011 vs Nadal, 2023 vs Medvedev), emotional setbacks (2021 final), and legendary rivalries (vs Nadal & Murray).
Unlike Wimbledon or the Australian Open, where his dominance has often been unshakable, the US Open has provided Djokovic with drama, heartbreak, and redemption. It’s the Slam that has most reflected his humanity – where his willpower, vulnerability, and greatness have all been on display.
With four titles and countless classics, Djokovic’s story at Flushing Meadows is not just about victories. It’s about resilience, risk-taking, and rewriting the limits of tennis history.