'Never seen this': Novak Djokovic breaks down in shock mid-match moment
Novak Djokovic fell agonisingly short of a career golden slam and a record 21 majors after his loss against Daniil Medvedev in the US Open final and the pain was written across his face.
Arguably the greatest player of all time was no match for Medvedev in the final as the Russian avenged his Australian Open loss to win 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.
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The match was a rollercoaster with the crowd cheering both players as Medvedev craved his maiden grand slam title, while Djokovic was only one-step away from tennis immortality.
But, after a long two weeks that has seen the crowd barracking against Djokovic for the majority of the tournament, the emotions became too much for the World No.1.
Medvedev was set to serve for the match in the third set as the players returned to their bench.
And Djokovic, knowing his quest to achieve tennis history was seemingly out of reach, broke down in tears.
The World No.1 then covered his face with a towel to hide his disappointment from the crowd.
'We've never seen anything like this from Djokovic," the commentator said in disbelief.
The tennis community couldn't believe the agony displayed across Djokovic's face.
Tennis star Iga Swiatek was one to admit she became emotional watching the moment.
No... I'm not crying... I'M NOT CRYING... Ohh, who cares... #usopen #Djokovic
— Iga Świątek (@iga_swiatek) September 12, 2021
Djokovic very, very emotional. What a moment.
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) September 12, 2021
What a rally.
Medvedev wins it.
(Djokovic played it with tears in his eyes, after crying during the changeover)— José Morgado (@josemorgado) September 12, 2021
100%, the picture in the year in tennis : Djokovic crying during the #USOpen final, some minutes before losing it. Heartbreaking. #NoleFam pic.twitter.com/NwYUEu7EQG
— Tennis Majors (@Tennis_Majors) September 12, 2021
Novak Djokovic crying as Daniil Medvedev is about to serve for the US Open title.
— Gaspar Ribeiro Lança (@gasparlanca) September 12, 2021
This really has been a totally mental tournament. Novak Djokovic just crying while hanging on in the US Open final.
— George Bellshaw (@BellshawGeorge) September 12, 2021
Must say that Novak Djokovic coming back onto the court crying before a crucial game in a major final was not something I thought I would ever see.
— Stephen Smith (@GisGoos12) September 12, 2021
Djokovic is crying…wow!
— Robert Madoi (@robertmadoi) September 12, 2021
Novak Djokovic is crying. My heart just broke. This man really gave it his all.
— Raiyan Rafiq (@NovakDjokerFans) September 12, 2021
Djokovic’s race to be the greatest in history demanded a lot and the greatest reflection was seeing Novak crying in that last break with the fans cheering him on #USOpen #ATP pic.twitter.com/KK4G0Ew5DB
— Karamdeep (@oyeekd) September 12, 2021
Novak Djokovic plays with tears in his eyes
He then returned with tears in his eyes as Medvedev served for the championship.
Nerves kicked in for the first time and Djokovic broke the Russian after a number of double faults.
Djokovic returned to the seat to an enormous cheer from the crowd.
He thanked the crowd and gestured at his heart following the break.
However things took an unsavoury turn when Medvedev was loudly booed on match point.
The strange scenes appeared to throw the World No.2 and he subsequently dropped his serve, only to win it two games later.
He was also booed while serving at 5-4 in ugly scenes that sparked outrage on social media.
Many labelled the crowd's behaviour "appalling" and "shameful".
Regardless, Medvedev became the first man from his generation to defeat the 'Big Three' in a Grand Slam final.
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