• US Open, Day 15

What They Said

ESPN staff
September 12, 2011
Novak Djokovic emerges victorious © Getty Images
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Novak Djokovic claimed his third grand slam title of the year by defeating Rafael Nadal in four sets in the US Open final. The 24-year-old has enjoyed a stellar 12-months, losing just two of his 66 matches in 2011. He said: "It's an incredible feeling. I've had an had amazing year and it keeps going. Every time I play Rafa it's a big challenge. He's had a great tournament and I wish we have many more tough matches in the coming years.

"I guess it just clicked in my head. Through the last couple of years, I didn't change my game in any major way. I think most of the strokes are the same they were last two three years. But I'm hitting shots that maybe I wasn't hitting. I'm going for it.''

"I am not invincible. I just think a positive attitude keeps you on top of your game, when you go on court and when I had the start to the year that I had. Of course I want to win more majors and prove things to myself. It would be unbelievable to complete the Grand Slam. I need to win the French Open, but I think it will take time."

Rafael Nadal was gallant in defeat, and consistently displayed the grit and skill which has taken him to the top of the sport in recent years. The world No. 2 said: "I'm disappointed but Novak is doing unbelievable things. What he did this year is probably impossible to repeat. I tried my best in every point. I tried to play aggressive but he made fantastic comebacks. That's tennis. I fought until last ball. I won a lot in the past but I have to work hard and come back stronger next year.

"I liked especially my mental part. In the second set, for moments in the third set, all the set, having tough moments, but (to) keep fighting and keep trying to find solutions. The fourth, even if he was very bad from the back (injury), I was very tired. That's true, no? But for the rest, I think I started to play aggressive, a little bit more inside the court, and changing a little bit the directions with the forehand.

"The problem is...I didn't have free points. The serve didn't help me. I didn't start the points with an advantage tonight with my serve. That's a lot."

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