Sad, but relieved as tearful Djoko copes with Slam record heartbreak

Novak Djokovic. Pic/AFP

Tearful Novak Djokovic felt relief and sadness after his Grand Slam dream died with a US Open final defeat, overcome by loss but winning heartfelt support from New York fans.

World No. 1 Djokovic missed the first calendar-year Slam since 1969 at the final hurdle Sunday, losing to Russia's second-ranked Daniil Medvedev 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

"Relief. I was glad it was over," Djokovic said about his feelings in the moments after the defeat. "The build-up for this tournament and everything that mentally, emotionally I had to deal with throughout the tournament in the last couple of weeks was just a lot. It was a lot to handle," Djokovic said.

"I was just glad that finally the run is over. At the same time I felt sadness, disappointment, and also gratitude for the crowd and for that special moment that they created for me on the court."

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Djokovic also missed out on a fourth US Open title and 21st career Grand Slam, leaving him deadlocked on the men's record 20 Slam trophies with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. "So many different emotions," he said. "Part of me is very sad. It's a tough one to swallow, this loss, considering everything that was on the line. But on the other hand I felt something I never felt in my life here in New York. The crowd made me very special. They pleasantly surprised me."

Down two sets and two breaks, US Open fans cheered for a Djokovic fightback with a spirit he said will stay with him as long as a Grand Slam might have. "The amount of support and energy and love I got from the crowd was something I'll remember forever," Djokovic said. "That's the reason on the changeover I just teared up. The emotion, the energy was so strong. "It's as strong as winning 21 Grand Slams. That's how I felt, very special. They touched my heart. These are the kind of moments that you cherish. It was just wonderful." Djokovic admitted he didn't have the game to stay with a determined Medvedev from the start.

"I was just below par with my game," Djokovic said. "My legs were not there. I was trying. I did my best."

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Novak Djokovic's winning streak at the Grand Slams that ended with the US Open loss

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