Happiest man alive: Teary Novak Djokovic thanks New York crowd despite US Open defeat
Novak Djokovic admitted that he experienced a storm of emotions during his final defeat at the 2021 US Open by Daniil Medvedev, but the support of the New York public made him “the happiest person in the world”, despite a bad day at the office.
Djokovic lost the men’s singles final 4-6, 4-6, 4-6 in 2 hours and 15 minutes on Sunday.
Djokovic isn’t the most-loved man at the Arthur Ashe Stadium when he takes on his arch-rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at the US Open. The Serb has often found ways to inspire himself and bring out the best in him when the crowd is against him at major tournaments.
However, it was a surprise to see the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd rooting for Djokovic from the time he entered the court for the final against Medvedev. There was plenty of Serbian support in the crowd as the World No. 1 star was going for major milestones — the 21st Grand Slam title and a Calendar Slam for the first time in over 50 years in men’s tennis.
Djokovic was unable to control his emotions towards the end of the match and during the trophy presentation ceremony but he sported a smile on his face when he let the crowd know how much its support meant to him.
“I was thinking in both scenarios, visualing 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 on the court,” Djokovic said.
“You guys touched my soul. I have never felt like this is New York. I love you guys. Thank you so much for your support and everything you have done tonight for me. I love you and I will see you soon. Thank you.”
Djokovic, meanwhile, congratulated Medvedev, who won his maiden Grand Slam title. Notably, 2021 started with Djokovic beating Medvedev in straight sets in the Australian Open final but the Russian avenged his defeat in a spectacular manner on Sunday.
Medvedev’s serves were nearly unbreakable as Djokovic struggled to stay in the contest for the most part of the men’s singles final. The World No. 2 never allowed Djokovic to find any sort of rhythm, breaking him once in the first two sets before going a double break up in the 3rd and final set of the match.
“I would like to start off by saying congratulations to Daniil. Amazing match, amazing tournament. If there is anyone that deserves a Grand Slam title right now it is you, so well done,” Djokovic said.
“To your team, you have an amazing team, you are one of the greatest guys on the tour, we get along very well. I wish you many more Grand Slams, many more majors to follow, and I am sure you will be on this stage again in the future.”
Djokovic finished 2021 with 3 more Grand Slams in his decorated trophy cabinet but the Serbian star missed out on opportunities to complete the Golden and the Calendar Slams.
