"Andy Roddick handing #24 title is a hilarious kind of irony" - Fans recall rivals' feud as American presents Novak Djokovic with US Open 2023 trophy

Novak Djokovic defeated Daniil Medvedev in the championship match of the 2023 US Open on Sunday, September 10, thereby equalling Margaret Court's record of 24 Major titles. He was subsequently presented with the winner's trophy by Andy Roddick.

However, that didn't sit well with a section of Djokovic's fans on social media.

One fan said it was a "hilarious kind of irony" that Roddick was the one to coronate the 24-time Grand Slam winner at the New York Major. Roddick and Djokovic reportedly almost come to blows at the 2008 edition of the tournament following an exchange of words in their respective interviews.

"Andy Roddick handing #24 trophy is a hilarious kind of irony," the fan wrote on X.

Another fan remarked that the 2003 US Open winner was not "worthy" of presenting the trophy to Djokovic.

"Andy Roddick is NOT worthy of presenting Novak the trophy," they wrote, followed by a facepalm emoji.

Here are some more reactions from social media:

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Novak Djokovic and Andy Roddick almost got into a locker room brawl after the Serb beat the American at US Open 2008

Andy Roddick and Novak Djokovic at the 2009 Australian Open

For the uninitiated, Novak Djokovic and Andy Roddick almost got themselves into a physical altercation following their last-eight encounter at the 2008 US Open.

It was the American who first ruffled Djokovic's feathers by inferring that he exaggerated his injuries. The Serb proceeded to beat Roddick in an intense quarterfinal match (6-2, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6) at Flushing Meadows, following which he shot back a reply at his American rival in the post-match speech.

However, if Roddick's account is to be believed, this wasn't the end of it. Djokovic reportedly took another jab at his older rival when both of them were in the locker room, which led to Roddick shoving him against a locker. The situation, however, didn't escalate as better sense eventually prevailed.

Andy Roddick met Novak Djokovic nine times on the ATP Tour and defeated him five times. He is one of only 12 players to lead the 24-time Major winner in their head-to-head series.

The other 11 players that share the honor with the American are Marat Safin, Fernando Gonzalez, Nick Kyrgios, Holger Rune, Dan Evans, Ivo Karlovic, Jiri Vesely, Taro Daniel, Filippo Volandri, Dennis van Scheppingen and Antony Dupuis.