The tension was high. Maybe too strong for Novak Djokovic. While he could achieve the calendar Grand Slam, Novak Djokovic was beaten on Sunday night in the US Open final by Daniil Medvedev (6-4, 6-4, 6-4). And at the end of the third set, before the Russian served for the match, the world No. 1 cracked in his chair.
The Serb resisted until the end. Led two sets to nothing and 5-1 in the 3e round, Novak Djokovic did not give up to return to 5-4 and hinted at a possible feat. And when he came to sit in his chair, after winning his service game, he was able to count on the support of the public at Flushing Meadows Central, who began chanting his name to encourage him. A strong moment which cracked Djokovic, invaded by the emotion and the “love” of the spectators towards him.
“This is something I will remember forever”
His face buried in his towel, he could not hold back his tears, undoubtedly blunted both physically and mentally by the enormous expectation generated by the possibility of winning the four major tournaments of the season. Despite this support, the feat did not take place and Novak Djokovic ended up losing, seeing his dream shattered. At the end of the meeting, he returned to this event, which will remain as one of the strong images of this final.
“I felt something that I had never felt in my life here in New York. The public made me feel very special ”, explained in a press conference the world n ° 1, who suffers from a deficit of love and popularity compared to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. “I wouldn’t say I expected nothing, but the amount of support, energy and love that I received from the spectators… It is something that I will remember forever,” he said. -he adds.
It’s one of the night, when Djokovic is overcome with emotion in his chair before Medvedev serves for the title … #USOpen #HomeOfTennis pic.twitter.com/ckXK8FZoUM
– Eurosport France (@Eurosport_FR) September 13, 2021
And to continue: “This is the reason why, at the time of the last change of sides, I just cried. The emotion was so strong. It’s as strong as winning my 21st Grand Slam tournament. That’s how I felt, in all honesty. They touched my heart. It was just wonderful. ”
There was also a little sadness to see him slip away the match, arguably the most important of his career, which would have allowed him to enter even more in the history of tennis with this calendar Grand Slam and a 21st Major. . He will have to try his luck again next season.