Novak Djokovic injury update: Serbian great has injury scare ahead of Australian Open 2023 4th round match

Medvedev won 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 for his first major title. He was far from his best, he was not happy with his footwork, and there were 38 unforced errors. The No. 2-ranked Medvedev, on the other hand, played a style of tennis which was very similar to the Serb's own.

Djokovic missed two historic milestones -- the calendar-year Grand Slam, and a record 21st title of his career. Instead he now stays even with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer at 20 Grand Slam titles.

The last man to complete a true Grand Slam by all the four majors in a single season remains Rod Laver, who did it twice in 1962 and 1969. The last woman to accomplish the feat was Steffi Graf in 1988.

Djokovic let his emotions show. He destroyed his racket by pounding it three times against the court after one point, drawing a code violation. He pounded his racket against his thigh repeatedly after flubbing break points. A game from the end, he covered his face with a towel to hide his tears.

At the presentation, 34-year-old Djokovic said he felt "relief" that all the buildup was finally over. The man who stopped him from two big milestones told him: "For me, you are the greatest tennis player in history.''