When asked if he was proud of his Grand Slam finals record, Djokovic added: “Yes, of course. I have to be very proud. Obviously there’s a bit of disappointment right now, 10 minutes after the match finished, but when I reflect on the last couple of weeks, and what I’ve been through…

“I have to say I’m very satisfied because Wimbledon has always been a childhood dream tournament of mine and I always wanted to be here and play on centre stage. I try to remind myself of how surreal the feeling is of being here.

“Even though I’ve been blessed to fight for the trophy 10 times, every time I step on this court, it feels like the first time. I am a child living my childhood dream. Thank you.

“To my wife, I love you, thank you for supporting me, thank you for being here. To my wonderful children, thank you also for bringing smiles to my face every single day, I keep on tearing up every time I see them at the closing ceremony. It’s incredible to have them. I’m so thankful to be a father of these two little angels that love tennis.

“They love tennis more and more! I don’t know if I have the nerves to keep on going with a coaching career for my son! There are a lot of beautiful things in life, my son, tennis is not the only thing, but if you really wish to pursue it, I’ll be there for you!

“OK, enough talking. I want to say thanks to my whole team. Thank you for sticking with me through good and bad times. I love you guys, thanks for being in my corner, and thank you very much.”