Novak Djokovic's quest for a record 21st major title that would have completed the calendar-year Grand Slam collapsed at the final hurdle with a 6-4 6-4 6-4 loss to Russian Daniil Medvedev in the U.S. Open final on September 12.
Medvedev, playing in his third Grand Slam final, at last hoisted a trophy while avenging a straight sets defeat by Djokovic earlier this year in the Australian Open final.
"Sorry for you fans and Novak because we all know what he was going for," Medvedev said. "What you have accomplished in your career... for me, you are the greatest tennis player in the history."
Djokovic, the 34-year-old Serb was trying to become the first man in over a half-century to win all four majors (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, U.S. Open) in the same year. It would have made him only the third man after Don Budge (1938) and Rod Laver (1962 and 1969) to achieve the feat.
"It's a tough one to swallow, this loss, considering everything that was on the line," said Djokovic. "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.
"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," Djokovic said.
