US Open: Novak Djokovic touched by great support - "I will never forget"
After his bitter final defeat at the US Open,Novak Djokovic was deeply touched by the great support of the audience at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
by SID / tennisnet
last edit: Sep 13, 2021, 08:03 am
"Of course a part of me is very sad. This defeat is hard to digest when you consider what was at stake," said the world number one: "But the support, the energy and the love I get from the crowd I will never forget. "
The 34-year-old Serb lost 4: 6, 4: 6, 4: 6 in the final on Sunday evening (local time) to Russian world number two Daniil Medvedev with no chance and left the great opportunity at the first Grand Slam - the victory in all major tournaments of the year - since Rod Laver in 1969.
Djokovic was also unable to implement his plan to become the sole Grand Slam record champion ahead of Roger Federer (Switzerland) and Rafael Nadal (Spain). All three stars are still with 20 titles in the four most important tournaments of the year.
Djokovic tears shortly before the end of the match
In the end Djokovic caught up again from a 1: 5 deficit in the third set and came up to 4: 5. Even during the change of sides, Djokovic began to cry because of the immense pressure that weighed on him because of the historic opportunity.
And possibly also touched by the support of the audience, which he had been denied for so many years. "Even if I didn't win the match, my heart is filled with joy and I'm the happiest person - because of you," said Djokovic at the award ceremony in the direction of the New York fans.
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