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'Never seen this': Novak Djokovic breaks down in shock mid-match moment

Novak Djokovic (pictured) crying between games at the US Open men's final against Daniil Medvedev.
Novak Djokovic (pictured) broke down in tears during play before his loss to Daniil Medvedev in the US Open men's final. (Images: ESPN)

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.

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.

Novak Djokovic (pictured) applauds the crowd as he breaks down following his loss to Daniil Medvedev during their 2021 US Open final.
Novak Djokovic (pictured) was emotional during and following his loss to Daniil Medvedev during their 2021 US Open final. (Photo by KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images)

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.

Daniil Medvedev celebrates with the championship trophy after defeating Novak Djokovic to win the Men's Singles final match at the US Open
Daniil Medvedev celebrates with the championship trophy after defeating Novak Djokovic to win the Men's Singles final match at the US Open. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

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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