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

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 fansWorld No 1 Djokovic missed the first calendaryear Slam since 1969 at the final hurdle Sunday losing to Russiarsquos secondranked Daniil Medvedev 64 64 64 in Arthur Ashe StadiumldquoRelief I was glad it was overrdquo Djokovic said about his feelings in the moments after the defeat ldquoThe buildup 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 handlerdquo Djokovic saidldquoI 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 courtrdquoAlso Read Novak Djokovic Berrettinirsquos toughDjokovic also missed out on a fourth US Open title and 21st career Grand Slam leaving him deadlocked on the menrsquos record 20 Slam trophies with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer ldquoSo many different emotionsrdquo he said ldquoPart of me is very sad Itrsquos 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 merdquoDown 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 ldquoThe amount of support and energy and love I got from the crowd was something Irsquoll remember foreverrdquo Djokovic said ldquoThatrsquos the reason on the changeover I just teared up The emotion the energy was so strong ldquoItrsquos as strong as winning 21 Grand Slams Thatrsquos how I felt very special They touched my heart These are the kind of moments that you cherish It was just wonderfulrdquo Djokovic admitted he didnrsquot have the game to stay with a determined Medvedev from the startldquoI was just below par with my gamerdquo Djokovic said ldquoMy legs were not there I was trying I did my bestrdquo27Novak Djokovicrsquos winning streak at the Grand Slams that ended with the US Open lossAlso Read US Open Novak Djokovic secures QF berth on course for calendaryear Grand SlamThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliabilitsy and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever