Djokovic Feels ‘Relief’ After US Open Bid Falls Short
Novak Djokovic’s loss in the US Open final on Sunday denied him a calendar-year Grand Slam but the Serbian world number one said he was just happy his chase for perfection was finally over.
Djokovic was left disappointed as he failed to become the first man since 1969 to win the year’s four Grand Slam titles as he lost to Russian second seed Daniil Medvedev in straight sets.
“Relief,” the 34-year-old Djokovic told reporters when asked what his emotions were after the match.
“I was glad it was over because 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 added.
Djokovic was unable to match the level brought by Medvedev, who proved his resilience and got stronger as the match progressed except for a few late nerves while trying to wrap up his first Grand Slam title.
Djokovic admitted after the match that the time spent on court this year ultimately took a toll and that he lacked his usual energy.
“My legs were not there. I was trying. I did my best. Yeah, I made a lot of unforced errors. I didn’t have no serve really,” said Djokovic.
“If you’re playing someone like Medvedev who hits his spots so well, just aces, gets a lot of free points on his first serve, you’re constantly feeling pressure on your service games.”
“I was below par with everything, to be honest. So just one of these days where unfortunately, yeah, wasn’t meant to be.”
Djokovic held a towel over his face and cried, clearly overwhelmed by the support he was getting from the New York crowd. The Serb has yet to earn the same level of admiration bestowed on his rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, said the tears were the result of a feeling he had never experienced before from the New York crowd.
“The crowd made me very special. They pleasantly surprised me,” Djokovic highlighted. “I did not know, I did not expect anything, but the amount of support and energy and love I got from the crowd was something that I’ll remember forever.”
“I mean, that’s the reason on the changeover I just teared up. The emotion, the energy was so strong. I mean, it’s as strong as winning 21 Grand Slams. That’s how I felt, honestly. I felt very, very special.”
Chidi Nwoke/Reuters.
