"I don't think it's fair to sit here and whine" - When Novak Djokovic refused to complain after losing to Stan Wawrinka in 2015 French Open final
Novak Djokovic failed to win the French Open title in 2015 as he was defeated 4‑6, 6‑4, 6‑3, 6‑4 by Stan Wawrinka in the final.
Djokovic triumphed over heavyweights Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray in the quarterfinals and semifinals respectively to make it to the summit clash. But after those two wins against world-class players, the Serb seemed a little worn out in the final.
While Wawrinka was clearly in imperious form, the media doubted whether the tiredness from the previous matches had contributed to Djokovic's loss.
However, in his post-match press conference, the 22-time Grand Slam made it clear that the earlier matches had nothing to do with his performance in the final. He also pointed out that such excuses would not be 'fair' on Wawrinka.
"I don't want to come up with excuse, saying these two matches took a lot out of me and I lost today. I don't think that's fair to Stan. I don't think that's fair to sit here and whine about now what has happened," the Serb said.
Djokovic admitted that the matches against Nadal and Murray demanded a lot of physical, mental and emotional effort, but stated that he felt fresh heading into the final.
"Certainly those two matches were very big in terms of physical demand and mental, emotional, as well. But, still, I was today feeling pretty fresh as much as I could. I mean, I was ready to go out and fight, and I have done so," he said.
The Serb had nothing but praise for Wawrinka as he felt no excuse would sound reasonable after the Swiss' dominant performance.
"In the end of the day he was just a better player. There was no reason to find some excuses why this happened," Djokovic said.
"I was more nervous than any other match" - Novak Djokovic on his French Open 2015 final against Stan Wawrinka
Novak Djokovic also disclosed that he felt nervous before the match against Stan Wawrinka, as the gravity of the prize at stake dawned upon him.
"Of course I was more nervous than any other match. It's finals of Roland Garros. We both were aware of the importance of this match, and that's why you tend to have these particular situations," he stated.
The Serb, however, was proud of the valiant effort he put in despite the nervousness.
"But, again, at least I'm proud of the fight that I put into this match. I tried my best. It wasn't to be," he said.
The duo went on to face each other in the US Open final the following year, with Wawrinka coming through once again.