US Open: Tears and smiles for Novak Djokovic – New York crowd makes Serb ‘the happiest man alive’

Novak Djokovic conceded he went through a roller-coaster of emotions during his US Open 2021 final defeat to Daniil Medvedev but the support from the New York crowd made him the “happiest man alive” despite a bad day in the office. Djokovic lost the men’s singles final 4-6, 4-6, 4-6 in 2 hours and 15 minutes on Sunday.

Djokovic isn’t the most-loved man at the Arthur Ashe Stadium when he takes on his arch-rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at the US Open. The Serb has often found ways to inspire himself and bring out the best in him when the crowd is against him at major tournaments.

However, it was a surprise to see the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd rooting for Djokovic from the time he entered the court for the final against Medvedev. There was plenty of Serbian support in the crowd as the World No. 1 star was going for major milestones — the 21st Grand Slam title and a Calendar Slam for the first time in over 50 years in men’s tennis.

Djokovic was unable to control his emotions towards the end of the match and during the trophy presentation ceremony but he sported a smile on his face when he let the crowd know how much its support meant to him.

“I was thinking in both scenarios, visualing myself standing here in front of you guys and what would I say. I would like to say that tonight, even though I have not won the match, my heart is filled with joy and I am the happiest man alive because you guys made me feel very special on the court,” Djokovic said.