Djokovic Puts Record Books Out of Mind in Hunt for 24th Major Title

Tennis - US Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - September 8, 2023 Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning his semi final match against Ben Shelton of the US.(Reuters)
Tennis - US Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - September 8, 2023 Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning his semi final match against Ben Shelton of the US.(Reuters)
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Djokovic Puts Record Books Out of Mind in Hunt for 24th Major Title

Tennis - US Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - September 8, 2023 Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning his semi final match against Ben Shelton of the US.(Reuters)
Tennis - US Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - September 8, 2023 Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning his semi final match against Ben Shelton of the US.(Reuters)

Novak Djokovic could claim a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title at Sunday's US Open final but will put that landmark out of his mind as he prepares to face old foe Daniil Medvedev.

The Serb battled past American Ben Shelton in straight sets on Friday to set up a rematch with Russia's Medvedev, who denied him a rare calendar Grand Slam two years ago.

The memory of that bitter defeat was still fresh in his mind, as Djokovic told reporters he was trying not to focus on the significance of a 24th major title that would match Margaret Court's all-time singles record.

"(I don't) think about the history too much in this sense, you know, because when I did that in the past, like, '21 finals here I was maybe overwhelmed with the occasion and the opportunity and I underperformed," said Djokovic.

"So I don't want this to happen again, and I'll try to, you know, just focus on what needs to be done and tactically prepare myself for that match."

Djokovic won the Australian Open and hoisted the trophy at Roland Garros already this year. He had a chance to collect his 24th major title in Wimbledon but was denied in the finale by Spain's Carlos Alcaraz.

Fans had hoped that Djokovic would meet the young Spaniard again in New York. But the defending champion came up short against Medvedev in their respective semi-final.

"I was very close to (making) the 24 in London, but, you know, lost to a better player," said Djokovic, who will take the top spot in the world rankings when they update after the tournament.

"Every time in a Grand Slam final it's another shot for history, you know, and I'm aware of it, and of course I'm very proud of it. But... I don't have much time, nor do I allow myself to reflect on these things."



Spain Extends Contract of National Team Coach Luis de la Fuente until 2028

Spain’s head coach Luis de la Fuente monitors a training session in Donaueschingen, Germany, July 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, file)
Spain’s head coach Luis de la Fuente monitors a training session in Donaueschingen, Germany, July 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, file)
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Spain Extends Contract of National Team Coach Luis de la Fuente until 2028

Spain’s head coach Luis de la Fuente monitors a training session in Donaueschingen, Germany, July 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, file)
Spain’s head coach Luis de la Fuente monitors a training session in Donaueschingen, Germany, July 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, file)

Spain's national team coach Luis de la Fuente has extended his contract until 2028 after leading the team to last year's European Championship title.

The Spanish soccer federation said Monday that it is “renewing its confidence” in the 63-year-old De la Fuente, who started coaching the nation's youth squads in 2013 and took over the senior team after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to replace Luis Enrique, The AP reported.

De la Fuente is the first Spain coach to win the European Championship at three different levels after also leading the country to the Under-19 and Under-21 titles.

The new contract will keep the former player in charge of La Roja during the 2026 World Cup and Euro 2028.