Novak Djokovic’s classy message to new champions after his US Open heartache
Novak Djokovic lost control of his emotions before he lost his US Open final against Daniil Medvedev, but he has moved on from his loss with a classy message on Instagram.
The world No.1 was in tears in the final change over of a match that ended his dreams of winning a calendar Grand Slam, with Djokovic confirming the cheers of the New York crowd had ‘touched his soul’.
Djokovic has waited a long time to get a reception like that from a Flushing Meadows crowd that have rarely given him their backing over the course of his remarkable career, as he confirmed after the match that his emotion on the night was down to the belated acceptance that came his way on a night when he suffered one of his most crushing losses of recent times.
Now Djokovic has taken to Instagram to congratulate both his rival Medvedev and US Open women’s champions Emma Raducanu, after her stunning victory in New York stunned the tennis world.
Djokovic has given no indication when he might return to action after what he confirmed was an emotional experience at the US Open, but when he does return he will undoubtedly be a favourite in the tennis betting markets, as he has been for over a decade.
When asked to explain his biggest emotion after his defeat in the US Open, Djokovic said: “Relief. 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.
“I 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’ve created for me on the court.”
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