Tearful Novak Djokovic felt relief and sadness after his Grand Slam dream died with a US Open final defeat, overcome by loss but winning heartfelt support from New York fans.

World number one Djokovic missed the first calendar-year Slam since 1969 at the final hurdle Sunday, losing to Russia's second-ranked Daniil Medvedev 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in Arthur Ashe Stadium.