Novak Djokovic, the tennis superstar who was ousted from the U.S. Open last year due to his vaccine stance, claimed the coveted US Open Title, alongside the ‘Shot of the Day’ honors, sponsored by Moderna. The irony couldn’t be more striking.

This year’s event was “proudly” sponsored by Moderna, a global pharmaceutical company that manufactures Covid-19 vaccines.

Djokovic’s unwavering opposition to the COVID-19 vaccine had barred him from participating in numerous tournaments in 2022, most notably the Australian Open and the US Open, both of which he was the top contender to win.

This year, Djokovic’s latest grand slam victory was a triumphant blend of dominance, redemption, and history-making. He clinched not only three out of four grand slams but also matched the legendary Margaret Court’s record of 24 major singles titles.

In a thrilling showdown at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York, Djokovic, ranked No. 2 in the world, defeated No. 3 Daniil Medvedev with a score of 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-3, securing his 24th grand slam title, Big Pharma-sponsored NBC reported.

This achievement not only cements his status as one of the tennis greats but also equals Margaret Court’s all-time record for grand slam singles titles.

“It obviously means the world to me,” Djokovic expressed, reclaiming the No. 1 ranking on Monday.

Djokovic had declared his vaccine skepticism as early as April 2020 when COVID vaccines were not yet available. He stated, “I’m opposed to vaccination” and later clarified that he was “no expert” but wanted the “option to choose what’s best for my body.”

In his tenth U.S. Open final, Djokovic emerged victorious for the fourth time, making history as the oldest male champion in the open era, surpassing the previous record set by Ken Rosewall in 1970.

To equal the all-time grand slam record, Djokovic had to avenge his 2021 U.S. Open defeat to Medvedev, which denied him the chance to achieve the first men’s calendar grand slam since Rod Laver in 1969. Medvedev, who had stunned top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic’s Wimbledon conqueror, in the lead-up, reached his third U.S. Open final in five years, setting the stage for a dramatic rematch with Djokovic.

Djokovic’s journey to the final included a series of straight-set victories, with a notable comeback from two sets down in the third round. In a grueling 104-minute second set against Medvedev, Djokovic battled exhaustion and a 3-1 deficit in the tiebreaker before clinching a marathon set.

The third set saw Djokovic take a commanding 3-1 lead, securing his crown in New York—a place he was barred from competing in the previous year due to his unvaccinated status.

With this victory, Djokovic now boasts one more major singles title than Serena Williams, becoming the first player to capture 24 in the Open era, which commenced in 1968.

As the final match concluded, Medvedev extended a heartfelt tap on Djokovic’s chest, and the celebration ensued. Djokovic, sporting a shirt bearing the number “24” and “Mamba Forever” as a tribute to the late NBA icon Kobe Bryant, took a well-deserved victory lap, celebrating with his family and team.