Novak Djokovic has congratulated Andy Murray on winning his first Grand Slam title.
Djokovic came face to face with the British number one last night at the U.S. Open as he attempted to defend the title that he won twelve months ago.
But in a five set almost five hour epic that saw some great tennis from both men it was Murray who walked away with the title.
It was Murray's fifth Grand Slam final and he finally converted that into a win. And while Djokovic was disappointed not to retain his title he praised Murray.
Speaking to The Independent Djokovic said: "Any loss is a bad loss. There is no question about it. 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 had a great opponent today. 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. I'm definitely happy that he won it.
"He's played so consistently well and won against the top players many times on many surfaces. He has proven today that he's a champion and he deserves to be where he is, no question about it."
Djokovic has three Grand Slam titles to defend at the beginning of the 2012 season after a stellar year last year.
He saw off the challenge from Murray and Rafael Nadal to defend his Australian Open title before reaching the French Open final - where he lost to Nadal.
Federer ended his hopes at retaining his Wimbledon crown as the Swiss maestro came through their semi-final at SW19.
Djokovic remains at number two in the rankings but he along with Murray still have a chance of toppling Federer from the #1 by the end of the year.
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw
by Helen Earnshaw
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