Novak Djokovic’s loss in the US Open final on Sunday denied him a calendar slam but the world No. 1 said he was just happy his chase for perfection was finally over.
Djokovic was left in tears after his taxing bid — both physically and emotionally — to become the first man since 1969 to win the year’s four grand slams ended in a surprisingly one-sided loss to Russian second seed Daniil Medvedev.
“Relief,” the 34-year-old Djokovic told reporters when asked what his emotions were after the match.
“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.”
Djokovic admitted after the match that the time spent on court this year ultimately took a toll and that he lacked his usual energy.
“My legs were not there. I was trying. I did my best,” said Djokovic.