Djokovic, roaring through a emaciated crowd from Flushing Meadows, cried on his towel during the third set, with tears in his eyes as he stood at the baseline for the next game.
The flattery for the world number 1 served as a stark contrast to the treatment of the Russian Medvedev, who was forced to endure the boos of the New York crowd while serving to win the championship.
With Medvedev serving his first major title between 40 and 15 in the third set, teasing could be heard amid the rumble of the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The 25-year-old proceeded to double fault, causing jubilant roars among New Yorkers, but Medvedev quickly picked up to win the next point and get the title.
“Wow, that was special,” Medvedev told CNN’s Carolyn Manno when asked about the partisan atmosphere.
“As soon as we got out on the court, it was different from every game I played here before. You felt like it was a special night, a special night, more for him and for the people who were going to look for him and that they tried to carry it forward.
“They definitely didn’t want to bother me on purpose, I doubt it, but it’s clear that before the second service you get the screams, double faults and everyone goes crazy: it’s very hard.
“I know I have to focus on myself and how I win this match and again I have managed to make that all that matters,” he added.
As he was continuously booed during his post-match interview, Medvedev stirred his spirits and said to the crowd, “I won for you.”
“I’m sorry”: Medvedev hears Djokovic crying
Djokovic has also been at the end of teasing at the venue in the past, but there was only an overwhelming love for the Serb this time.
Six years ago, during his win over Roger Federer, Djokovic found himself as the second favorite of the New York crowd, but was roared during his quest for a 21st record grand slam against Medvedev.
Sitting in the chair at 5-4 in the third set, an immense wave of cheers watched as an exciting Djokovic shed tears as he covered his face with the towel before returning to the baseline.
“I apologized to him,” Medvedev revealed to CNN when asked what he told Djokovic on the network after his victory.
“Tennis is such a brutal sport: there are two boys and one will lose, regardless of whether it is the first round or the final.
“I always look at Novak, Rafa [Nadal], Roger [Federer] play these finals and I feel like every time in speech they lament their opponent because they know how he feels.
“I kept Novak from doing something crazy and amazing in the history of tennis and I’m sorry.
“I’m happy for myself, but I’m sorry for him. That’s what I said and yes, Novak is such a fantastic guy that he just said he deserves it even though he’s really hugged me and that’s amazing.”
“Pure happiness” by Medvedev
Boos aside, a magnificent victory was a crowning success for Medvedev, which was sweetened by the pain of the two final Grand Slam defeats that came before.
He reached his first U.S. Open final in an exciting five-set fight against Rafael Nadal two years ago, before suffering a direct defeat against Djokovic in the Australian Open final in February.
Launching the script in New York, Medvedev revealed that he had doubts before his first triumph.
“It’s pure happiness,” he told CNN.
“Being in two finals before, losing to Rafa and Novak, amazing players. Coming to that, you always think, ‘Am I strong enough to be able to keep Novak from getting a big slam on the calendar?’
“I didn’t play to the fullest, but he destroyed me in Australia; then I didn’t feel well, confidence goes down a bit.
“I’m very happy to have managed to give my best today. I won against one of the greatest of all time in straight sets in a game that meant it all … that’s special.”