Fans erupt over incredible moment of sportsmanship after US Open final

Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin del Potro have ‘restored faith in tennis’ after an incredible moment following the US Open final.

Djokovic claimed his third US Open championship after a straight-sets victory over del Potro in Monday morning’s (AEST) final.

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The Serb outlasted the Argentine 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 in three hours and 15 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

In the immediate aftermath of Djokovic’s victory, he embraced del Potro at the net in a heartwarming show of class and respect between the friends and foes.

Djokovic and del Potro hugged each other for a number of seconds, with Djokovic whispering some words of consolation in his ear.

The Serb then continued the brilliant sportsmanship by consoling a shattered del Potro as he sat courtside.

Del Potro appeared to be in tears as he contemplated another near-miss, so Djokovic went over to his side and again embraced his foe.

Fans went absolutely nuts over Djokovic’s remarkable act:

Djokovic, who won Wimbledon in July, has now won 14th grand slam titles – putting him level with Pete Sampras and behind only Roger Federer (20) and Rafael Nadal (17) on the all-time list.

Over the past eight weeks Djokovic has resembled the player that held all four major titles at the same time in 2016 and the $3.8 million ($A5.3 million) winner’s cheque lifted him above Federer as the leader in career prize money.

“When I had the surgery on my elbow I could truly understand what Juan Martin was going through,” Djokovic said.

“Difficult times but you learn from adversity. You learn when you’re down, when you have doubtful moments.

“I tried to take the best out of myself in those moments and get myself in this position.”

Playing on the same court where Sampras claimed the last of his 14 slams, Djokovic has endured more disappointment than joy in Arthur Ashe Stadium, losing five finals.

However, the despair on Sunday belonged to a teary del Potro, who was back in a grand slam final for the first time since his one and only title in New York in 2009.

“I’m so happy to be playing the final against this magnificent idol. Of course I’m sad because I lose but I’m happy for Novak, you deserved to win,” del Potro said.

“I got it after nine years, which is amazing to me because the US Open is my favourite tournament and I’m proud of that.”

Djokovic was far superior to del Potro in the opening set but he dropped three consecutive games in the second to trail 4-3.

The sixth seed survived three break points in the following game, an epic that lasted more than 20 minutes, in a pivotal moment.

A series of missed forehands by del Potro in the tiebreaker put Djokovic back on course and he finished with a flourish, taking the last three games – sealing the title on his first match point.

with AAP