Novak Djokovic's US Open conqueror apologized for ruining his dream of winning all 4 Grand Slams in a year, then called him the GOAT

• Daniil Medvedev apologized to Novak Djokovic for beating him in the US Open final.
• He then called the Serbian the "greatest tennis player in history."
• Djokovic was aiming to win a 21st career Grand Slam and his fourth of the calendar year.

Daniil Medvedev apologized to Novak Djokovic for beating him in the US Open final on Sunday, then called the Serbian the greatest tennis player of all-time.

Medvedev swept aside Djokovic 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 at the Arthur Ashe Stadium to claim his first ever Grand Slam title and deny his Serbian opponent a record breaking day.

Djokovic was aiming to win his fourth major of the calendar year - a feat no male player has achieved since Australian Rod Laver in 1969.

Victory would have also seen the Serb claim a 21st Grand Slam title and move one ahead of both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the all-time major charts.

"I want to say sorry for you fans and Novak because we all know what he was going for today," Medvedev said in his on-court interview after the match.

"I just want to say, what you accomplished this year and throughout your career, I never said this to anybody, but for me, you are the greatest tennis player in history."

Djokovic was the crowd favourite on the day, with the level of support leading to the world number one breaking down in tears towards the end of the match.

Trailing Medvedev 5-4 in the final set, the crowd began to chant "Nole, Nole, Nole" - Djokovic's nickname.

The 34-year-old was unable to contain his emotions at the outpouring of support, beating his chest and crying into his towel at the changeover.

"I felt something I never felt in my life here in New York," he explained after the match.

"The crowd made me very special. They pleasantly surprised me. I did not expect anything, but the amount of support and energy and love I got from the crowd was something that I'll remember forever."

Medvedev's on court apology mirrored that of Alexander Zverev, who was heard saying sorry to Djokovic after knocking the Serbian out of the Olympics in Tokyo, robbing him of the chance to complete a so-called "Golden Slam"