Novak Djokovic on the importance of routines
Novak Djokovic was reduced to tears during his 2021 US Open defeat against Daniil Medvedev. The duo will meet again in the showdown on Sunday inside the Arthur Ashe Stadium, where there are likely to be some emotional memories for the 23-times Grand Slam champion.
Djokovic was on course for a calendar slam heading into the final major of the year. The tennis icon had won the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the French Open – and hoped to complete a rare feat at Flushing Meadows.
However, he was ultimately stunned by Medvedev on Arthur Ashe, with the Russian winning in straight sets that all ended 6-4. It was a match largely overshadowed by the tremendous feat of Emma Raducanu, who won the women’s singles final 24 hours earlier.
But it was an emotional moment for Djokovic, who admitted to crying on the court. He had received a standing ovation as Medvedev served for the match, while some supporters chanted: “Nole! Nole! Nole!”
Click here to join our WhatsApp community to be the first to receive breaking and exclusive tennis news
READ MORE: Daniil Medvedev vows to get US Open fans kicked out after rowdy Alcaraz crowd[LATEST]
“I felt something I never felt in my life here in New York,” Djokovic explained afterwards.
“The crowd made me very special. They pleasantly surprised me. 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.
“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. They touched my heart, honestly.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
DON’T MISS…
Daniil Medvedev vows to get US Open fans kicked out after rowdy Alcaraz crowd[LATEST]
Daniil Medvedev ‘got in Carlos Alcaraz’s head’ as Russian gets Wimbledon revenge[QUOTES]
Novak Djokovic admits US Open final could be his last ahead of Medvedev clash[NEWS]
“In the end of the day you want to win. You’re a professional athlete. These are the kind of moments that you cherish. These are connections that you establish with people that will be lasting for a very long time. It was just wonderful.”
Medvedev, whose triumph sealed his first and only Grand Slam success to date, admitted he felt ‘sorry’ for Djokovic. The current World No 3 revealed he had wanted Djokovic to complete the calendar slam.
“At the same time, I have my name a little bit in the history,” Medvedev reflected. “I didn’t let him win the calendar year Grand Slam and I feel really sorry for him because I would, in a way, like him to do it.”
Source: Read Full Article