Djokovic Opens Up On 'Reason' He Broke Down After US Open Loss

Novak Djokovic hailed the crowd at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, saying the fans made him feel very special and that’s why he "teared up" following his loss to Daniil Medvedev in the US Open final on Sunday.

Medvedev not only clinched his maiden Grand Slam title but also prevented Djokovic from surpassing Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in the list of most major titles. At present, the three legends are tied with 20 Grand Slams each.

"Of course, part of me is very sad. It's a tough one to swallow, this loss, I mean, 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 [feel] very special. They pleasantly surprised me," Djokovic told ATP’s official website after losing the final in straight sets.

Djokovic, who had been undefeated in a Grand Slam game throughout the year, suffered a shocking straight-set loss 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to Medvedev in the US Open final in front of a charged up Arthur Ashe crowd.

"The amount of support and energy and love I got from the crowd was something that I'll remember forever. 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, honestly. I felt very, very special," added Djokovic in the same post-match interview.

While Medvedev entered history books by becoming only the third Russian to win a Grand Slam title after Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Marat Safin, he stopped Djokovic from entering another chapter of tennis’ history books.

Had Djokovic won the final Sunday, the Serbian star would have become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win all four majors in one season.

The World No. 1 also heaped praise on Medvedev, who finally won his first major title after suffering defeats in two finals. The second of the two losses came earlier this year, which was coincidentally against Djokovic in Australia.