Novak Djokovic's Grand Slam Bid Ends with Loss to Daniil Medvedev in US Open Men's Singles Final

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Novak Djokovic was defeated by Daniil Medvedev in the US Open men's singles final on Sunday.

The two top-seeded players faced off at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York, with Medvedev upsetting Djokovic in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, to win his first major championship.

It was the second time in a US Open final for the Russian athlete, 25, following up his run at the title in 2019.

Djokovic, 34, was unable to complete the men's calendar-year Grand Slam at this year's tournament following his success at Wimbledon, the French Open and the Australian Open.

"I would like to start off by saying congratulations to Daniil," he said after the loss. "Amazing, amazing match, amazing tournament. If there is anyone that deserves a Grand Slam title right now, it's you. So, well done ... I wish you many more Grand Slams, many more majors to follow. I'm sure that you'll be on this stage in the future again."

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The 20-time Grand Slam champion continued by thanking the crowd for their support throughout the tournament.

"Tonight, even though I have not won the match, my heart is filled with joy and I'm the happiest man alive because you guys make me feel very special on the court," Djokovic said. "You guys touch my soul. I've never felt like this in New York ... I love you and I'll see you soon."

While celebrating his victory, Medvedev also took a moment to congratulate Djokovic on his accomplishments during the 2021 season.

"We all know what he was going for today and I just want to say, what you accomplished this year and throughout your career, I never said this to anybody, but right now for me, you are the greatest tennis player in the history," he told Djokovic.

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Entering the US Open, Djokovic had a record of 38 wins and three Grand Slam titles in 2021. At the Tokyo Olympics in July, Djokovic aimed for a Golden Slam — to win all four Grand Slams and Olympic gold — but failed after losing to Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta in the bronze medal match.

One day prior in the women's singles final, Emma Raducanu, 18 beat Leylah Fernandez, 19, in two sets, 6-4, 6-3, becoming the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam in the Open Era, per the World Tennis Association.

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The British tennis star is also now the first British woman to win a major singles title in 53 years. Raducanu also became the first player to win the US Open without losing a set since Serena Williams accomplished the feat in 2014.