World number one Novak Djokovic has no doubts that he will become a stronger player following his defeat in the final of the US Open.
The Serbian, who was beaten by Andy Murray at the same stage last year, lost 6-2 3-6 6-4 6-1 to Rafael Nadal at Flushing Meadows on Monday.
However, Djokovic, who committed 53 unforced errors during the match, insists that his failure will motivate him to improve
"I have to use it. It's part of my life," Djokovic said in his press conference. "Many times you fall as an athlete and you have to learn the lesson and keep on going, keep on fighting, keep on improving. That's what we are here for.
"I'm still 26 and I believe the best time for my career is about to come. I feel that. As long as I believe it, the fire of the love toward the game is inside of me.
"And as long as that's present, as long as I feel it, I'm going to play this sport with all my heart, as I did in the last 10 years."
The triumph was Nadal's 13th Grand Slam title.
Matt Cotton
