Juan Martin del Potro was left to rue his inability to take the chances that fell his way in the US Open final but was full of admiration for champion Novak Djokovic.
The Wimbledon champion beat the big-serving Argentine 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 to claim his third US Open title and 14th career grand slam crown.
"You have to play a perfect game during more than three hours. Sometimes you couldn't make it but my mistakes were because of the level of Novak," del Potro said.
"I had my chances in the second set. I took the risks with my forehand. I've been doing that all the match.
"Sometimes it goes in and sometimes I miss it but it's the only way to beat these kind of players.
"He's a great champion so I'm glad for him. To be honest, I was crying till now.
"I'm very sad for being a loser today but Novak deserved to take the trophy."
The Serb was in clinical form, retrieving Del Potro's scorching forehand time and time again and delivering a masterclass in defensive tennis to beat the Argentine, who he wil displace as world No.3.
This year marks the first time since 2012 that the three biggest names in men's tennis - Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal - have all won slams.
Federer won the Australian Open, Nadal won at Roland Garros, with Djokovic claiming the two final majors.
The trio have dominated men's tennis for more than a decade, winning 51 Grand Slam titles between them, and Del Potro said he was proud to be competing against them.
"Of course, it's a big challenge, but also I think we are proud to be close to these legends," he said.
"I've been during all my career learning with Novak, Roger, Rafa; seeing them winning these events very often. It's amazing.
"I don't feel sad that I couldn't win grand slams because of them.
"I am just one of the guys that is lucky to be in the same era as them and it's great."
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