This is the response Medvedev needed!

A superb angled forehand takes him to 0-30 as he chases an instant reply.

But Djokovic races in to put away a volley on his way to restoring parity.

Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport at Flushing Meadows

Hold the line. Djokovic is dialled in.

Stunning start from the 23-time Grand Slam champion, who is already playing patiently and precisely.

Russell Fuller
Tennis correspondent on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

What a scrappy start from Medvedev.

Oh wow.

That is a huge miss on the second serve from Daniil Medvedev and that double fault opens the door for Novak Djokovic at 0-30.

And now the pressure really is on. A stunning forehand from Djokovic fizzes down the line.

Three break points... Only one needed! A miss from Medvedev. A nightmare start.

Image source, Getty Images

Annabel Croft
Former British number one on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Those long exchanges at the beginning of that game helps both players. Nerves and adrenalin affects everything but if you can play a long rally, it's quite helpful to free up the body.

Russell Fuller
Tennis correspondent on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

I like Medvedev’s chances but I also know that it’s not very wise to count against Novak. But we should say Medvedev is playing outstandingly well. He says at least as well as two years ago.

Image source, Getty Images

A sign of things to come?

The opening point sees a lengthy baseline rally unfold - and it's Djokovic who takes the first point.

Already, the signs are promising. Nobody is going to get much for free. Djokovic swats away a backhand for 30-15 and an ace puts him within reach of the game after five minutes of play.

Another! After a bit of a grind, two swift first serves get the history-chasing Serb up and running.

Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport at Flushing Meadows

Here. We. Go!

Strap yourselves in, folks.

The man on the left?

Or the man of the right?

Even if the photo is a little small for your focus, you can tell who is who by serving stance and court position…

Image source, BBC Sport

Annabel Croft
Former British number one on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

I think Daniil Medvedev can (beat Novak Djokovic).I think he has the character to do it and the belief in his ability. But I am picking Novak today. I just feel like he’s hungry to get back after when he lost to Alcaraz at Wimbledon.

He’s been the form player in Slams this year and I think he is ready to go and take that 24th. He is so hungry and motivated for it but it’s not going to be easy.

I think it’s going to be an absolute warpath out here.

It's show time under the Arthur Ashe roof.

For the second time in three years, it's Novak Djokovic against Daniil Medvedev in the US Open men's singles final.

And it will be Djokovic to serve first.

Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport at Flushing Meadows

Image source, BBC Sport

If this match was dictated by the crowd’s reaction to the two players, it’d be Djokovic in three.

A roar greets Djokovic appearing on the big screen, the volume cranked up again when he walks out.

Image source, BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

While a 24th Grand Slam title would see Novak Djokovic equal Margaret Court's all-time record, it would also extend his record in the men's game.

The Serb is currently one title ahead of Rafael Nadal, while Roger Federer retired with 20 to his name.

Here's an outrageous stat for you.

In the 80 majors since Wimbledon 2003, Djokovic, Nadal and Federer have combined for a total of 65 Grand Slam titles. In 20 years, they have hoovered up all but 15 titles between them!

Djokovic could also become the first man to win three Grand Slam titles in a season for the fourth time, having previously done so in 2011, 2015 and 2021.

Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport at Flushing Meadows

Image source, BBC Sport

With Novak Djokovic having achieved so much in his remarkable career, it feels strange he has only won three US Open titles.

Only.

Most players dream of such a tally.

Because Djokovic has enjoyed so much success in hard courts - notably claiming 10 Australian Open titles and winning 85% of his matches on the surface - you wonder why he hasn’t won more in New York.

Well, he’s lost six other finals having faced Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal (twice), Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka and Medvedev - who were all seeded one, two or three.

Potentially another factor, as Djokovic himself as alluded to, is the US Open being the final Slam of an exhausting year.

Image source, Getty Images

Novak Djokovic won the Australian Open and French Open this year before his Wimbledon final defeat by Alcaraz in July.

He is guaranteed to return to world number one on Monday, having reached the final at all four Slams in the same season for the third time in his career.

He also managed that in 2015, losing only the French Open final to Stan Wawrinka, and 2021, when Medvedev beat him in New York.

"I'm obviously over the moon with the results so far in Grand Slams," Djokovic said.

"Playing in all four finals of all four Slams in a season is amazing. It's the highest achievement I can think about when I start the season. That's what I dream about, that's what I really wanted. That's where I want to be, in this kind of position.

"There is another match left, so of course this conversation will be even better if I win the title. But whatever happens, I'm extremely proud and content with what I have achieved this year."

The players are just being welcomed out on to Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The stands look pretty much full already with those lucky enough to have a ticket keen to make sure they don't miss a beat.

The men's singles final is not far away!

BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

A reminder that you can listen to live radio coverage of the men's singles final from Flushing Meadows.

Click on the audio icon at the top of this page, or listen via BBC Sounds.

Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport at Flushing Meadows

Image source, BBC Sport

What a sight. Ashe is the biggest tennis stadium in the world and boy is it impressive.

The roof was closed for the women's doubles final, which has just been won by Canada's Gaby Dabrowski and New Zealand's Erin Routliffe, and expecting it to stay shut for the next match.

Staff had their work cut out sweeping up the ticker tape and preparing the court for the ceremonial pomp which precedes the men's final.

Novak Djokovic may lead the head-to-head, but Daniil Medvedev triumphed when it really mattered.

Can the Russian cause another upset on Arthur Ashe Stadium?

There's no doubt Djokovic, with his 23 majors and 95 career titles to date, begins as favourite tonight.

Image source, Getty Images

Novak Djokovic beat American Ben Shelton in straight sets in the semi-finals, ending home hopes in the men's draw - and also mimicking the 20-year-old's picking-up-a-phone celebration, which Shelton said represented him being "dialled in" - after clinching a 6-3 6-2 7-6 (7-4) win.

The Serb, who has won five of his six matches in straight sets at this tournament, leads the head-to-head with Medvedev - winning nine of their 14 meetings.

However, they have one win apiece on hard courts in 2023, with Medvedev prevailing 6-4 6-4 in Dubai in March after Djokovic won 6-3 6-4 in Adelaide.

Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport at Flushing Meadows

Image source, BBC Sport

It goes without saying the atrocities of 9/11 are deeply ingrained in New York City culture.

The different city emerged in the aftermath and memorials - like this mural on the corner of Third Avenue and 49th Street in Manhattan - are easy to spot.

With the US Open always culminating around the anniversary of that fateful day, it is customary for the tournament to pay its respects to the victims.

Today’s men’s final will be the opportunity to do that.