NOVAK WELCOMES ANDY TO THE CLUB
Andy Murray of Great Britain hugs Novak Djokovic of Serbia following his victory in the men's singles final match on Day Fifteen of the 2012 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2012 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Murray defeated Djokovic 7-6, 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2.
(September 9, 2012 - Source: Alex Trautwig/Getty Images North America)
Despite the disappointment of losing a major final for the second time this year, Novak Djokovic sounded genuine when he said that he was happy to welcome Andy Murray to the Grand Slam club. The Serb, who defeated Rafael Nadal in theAustralian Open final but fell to the Spaniard in the Roland Garros title match, said that Murray deserved his moment in the sun.
“I had a great opponent today,” Djokovic said. “He deserved to win this Grand Slam more than anybody, I'm sure, because over the years he's been a top player. He's been so close; lost four finals. Now he has won it, so I would like to congratulate him. Definitely happy that he won it.”
Djokovic also appeared to elevate Murray, who today moves to No. 3 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings, into the storied company he shares with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, ending the debate as to whether tennis has a Big 3 or a Big 4.
"[We] four, we are taking this game to another level, and it's really nice to be part of such a strong men's tennis era… We get to the later stages of every single Grand Slam. Andy winning tonight makes it even more competitive and more interesting for people to watch it.
“Andy has all the capacity he needs, all the talent on the court. He's dedicated; he's professional. He has proven that [for] many years already with his results.”
Djokovic, who said that it is ‘one of the objectives’ to finish the year No. 1 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings, said that he left nothing out on Arthur Ashe stadium. After forcing the match into a fifth set, Djokovic had the chance to become the first player since Pancho Gonzalez in 1949 to rally from two sets down in the tournament final to take the title.
“I'm disappointed to lose the match, but in the back of my mind I knew that I gave it all. I really, really tried to fight my way back through… I'm going to try to recover from this and move on.”
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