Novak Djokovic praised Stan Wawrinka as "a big match player" before the US Open final.

The third-seeded Swiss confirmed that label denying 14 of 17 break points to defeat Djokovic, 6-7 (1), 6-4, 7-5, 6-3, and capture his first US Open championship.

US Open: Wawrinka Dethrones Djokovic

The world No. 1 said losing his nerve contributed to his defeat.

"I lost my nerves in the important moments," Djokovic told the media afterward. "He kept his cool. I think that's what decided the match. I guess sometimes it happens, even though you have the experience and know what to do. Just the heat of the moment and importance of the match, I guess, you know, was too strong for me at certain periods of the match. Just if you lose your cool, the match can go away."

The 12-time Grand Slam champion praised Wawrinka as a complete player who is at his best on the biggest stages. The 31-year-old Swiss raised his Grand Slam final record to 3-0 with all three victories coming against world No. 1 players.

"He loves to play in the big matches.  He comes up with his best game," Djokovic said of Wawrinka. "He's so solid from both corners. He's got a good slice and amazing one-handed backhand, all corners. Big serve. Moves well.

"He's a very complete player. Sometimes if he feels right he doesn't miss much and makes a lot of winners and it's hard to play him. That's what happened today."

Photo credit: AP