Novak Djokovic was so overcome with emotion in his US Open final loss that he started crying while still playing

• Novak Djokovic was so overcome with emotion during his US Open final defeat that he cried during play.
• The Serbian lost to Daniil Medvedev on Sunday, ending his hopes of winning all four Grand Slams in a year.
• As the match reached its climax, Djokovic burst into tears as fans chanted his name.
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Novak Djokovic was so overcome with emotion during his US Open final defeat to Daniil Medvedev on Sunday that he was in tears during play.

The Serbian, who was aiming to win his fourth major of the calendar year, was beaten 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 by Medvedev, who claimed his first ever Grand Slam title.

Had Djokovic had won, he would have become the first male player since Rod Laver in 1969 to win the Australian, French, US Open and Wimbledon titles in a single year.

It would have also seen him win a 21st career Grand Slam – more than any other male player in history.

After holding his serve to bring the score to 5-4 to Medvedev in the final set, the crowd at the Arthur Ashe Stadium began to chant his nickname, "Nole, Nole, Nole."

The 34-year-old was unable to contain his emotions at the outpouring of support, beating his chest and crying into his towel as he waited for the changeover.

As he returned to the court for Medvedev's final service game, Djokovic remained visibly upset, his eyes red and filled with tears.

"We talked about the emotional energy, and I think it all just came spilling out," Amazon Prime Video commentator Tim Henman said.

"This match has been tough enough. It's not easy to be playing with tears in your eyes."

Medvedev then served out for the win, after which Djokovic again broke down in tears during his on-court interview.

"I felt something I never felt in my life here in New York," he explained.

"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."

He also said that the love he had received from the crowd had, even despite the loss, made him the "happiest man alive."

-ATP Tour (@atptour) September 12, 2021

"Tonight, even though I have not won the match, my heart is filled with joy and I'm the happiest man alive because you guys made me feel very special on the court," he said.

"You guys touched my soul."