TENNIS:Djokovic determined to bounce back

Novak Djokovic has promised to come back stronger after suffering a second successive grand slam final defeat in losing to Rafael Nadal at the US Open.

The world No. 1 was beaten in four sets by Nadal in what was his third loss in a final at Flushing Meadows in the past four years. Djokovic also lost the Wimbledon final to Andy Murray and will finish the year with just one major to his name.

'Nadal can win 20 grand slams'

Nadal celebrates his US Open win

• Now at 13 major wins, Rafael Nadal can go on and surpass Roger Federer's current record of 17 - and then some, writes former British No. 1 Chris Wilkinson.
• ESPN's resident tennis expert also believes the Swiss legend has some harsh realities to face up to, while Andy Murray will need to learn quickly how to deal with the added pressure of being Wimbledon champion.

Nadal continues to remain unbeaten on a hard court in 2013 with his 23rd win in as many games, and outplayed Djokovic in the fourth set to claim his second US Open crown.

Djokovic is still the top-ranked player, but Nadal is in a strong position to end the year as world No. 1 after winning his 10th title.

And reflecting on the loss, Djokovic said he will use it as a motivation to end the campaign strongly.

"I have to use it. It's part of my life. 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," Djokovic said.

Djokovic has not won a tournament since he ended Nadal's eight-year winning run at Monte Carlo in April. The Serb kicked off the year by triumphing at the Australian Open for a third consecutive season.

"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," Djokovic said.

"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."