Novak Djokovic insisted he was “the happiest man alive” despite losing the US Open final to Daniil Medvedev on Sunday night.
Djokovic was aiming to make history by winning a record 21st Grand Slam title, but was beaten in straight sets by Medvedev in New York.
The world number one was off his game right from the start, showing his frustration and emotions by smashing a racquet and tearing up during a difficult match, which he lost 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.
Defeat saw him miss out on becoming the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win all the Grand Slams in a single calendar year and means he stays level with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on 20 Major titles.
Yet despite coming up short against the Russian second seed, who won his first Major at the age of 25, Djokovic still spoke fondly of the occasion in the post-match presentation inside the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“I would like to start off by saying congratulations to Daniil: amazing match, amazing tournament,” he said.
“If there is anyone who deserves a Grand Slam title right now it is you.
"You have an amazing team, you are one of the greatest guys on the tour - we get on really well - I wish you many more Grand Slams, many more Majors to follow. I’m sure you’ll be on this stage in the future again.
“[Earlier on] I was thinking in both scenarios, visualising myself standing here in front of you guys and what would I say?
“I would like to say that tonight, even though I have not won the match, my heart is filled with joy and I am the happiest man alive because you guys made me feel very special.
“You guys touch my soul. I’ve never felt like this in New York, honestly. I’ve never felt like this. Thank you so much for your support and everything you’ve done tonight for me.”
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Djokovic began the year by beating Medvedev in the final of the Australian Open and continued his imperious form with victories at the French Open and Wimbledon to move level with rivals Federer and Nadal on 20 Majors.
He was certainly favourite to claim a fourth Grand Slam title of 2021 in New York, but in the end his five extra hours on court throughout the tournament told against his powerful opponent.
Medvedev, who reached the final of the US Open in 2019 and the semi-final in 2020, was quick to pay tribute to his opponent.
“I want to say sorry to you and the fans,” he said.
“What you’ve accomplished this year and throughout your career - I’ve never said this to anybody, but I’ll say it right now - for me, you’re the greatest tennis player in history.”
The Russian then concluded with a word for his wife, Daria, who was inside the stadium watching him make history.
“It’s the third anniversary for me and my wife today,” he said.
“During the tournament I couldn’t think of a present or anything, so when I went in the final I thought ‘If I lose I need to find a present fast!’”
“And when I won [the semi-final], I thought ‘I have to win this match!’”
