Novak Djokovic’s title defence at the US Open has come to an end after he retired during his match against Stan Wawrinka in the fourth round.
The world No.1 was forced to call it quits due to a shoulder injury that has been hampering him throughout the tournament. Making it the first time he has retired from a grand slam match since his quarter-final encounter with Andy Roddick at the 2009 Australian Open. Facing Stan Wawrinka on the Arthur Ashe Stadium, Djokovic received a medical time out after dropping the second set before retiring three games later whilst trailing 6-4, 7-5, 2-1, to Wawrinka.
“I congratulate Stan. He’s a great player. I really wish him all the best the rest of the tournament.” Said Djokovic.
“I don’t want to talk about my injuries. I said that in the past. I’m sticking to that.”
“it is frustrating. Very frustrating. Obviously I’m not the first, not the last player to get injured and withdraw from one of the biggest events in the sport.” He added.
The latest issue for the 16-time grand slam champion is one that has been troubling the Serbian in recent weeks. Coming into the tournament, Djokovic had won four out of the past five grand slam tournaments. Suffering his only loss during that period to Dominic Thiem at the French Open.
“The pain has been constant for weeks now. Some days higher, some days with less intensity, and obviously taking different stuff to kill the pain instantly.”
Djokovic’s decision to end his encounter with Wawrinka was one that triggered booing throughout the stadium from the animated crowd. Reminiscent of his complicated relationship with tennis fans. During the Wimbledon final, he had to contend with a pro-Roger Federer crowd en route to winning the title.
Despite his hostile reception in New York, Djokovic has refused to criticise the behaviour of the New York crowd.
“I’m not being offended or mistreated by anybody. I don’t really pay too much attention on that.” He said. “I like to respect others. I hope that others can respect me and my decision.’
“I’m sorry for the crowd. Obviously they came to see a full match, and just wasn’t to be. That’s all it is.’
“I mean, a lot of people didn’t know what’s happening, so you cannot blame them. It is what it is.”
Due to Djokovic’s hesitation to go into details about his shoulder relapse, it is unclear as to how long he could be sidelined from the tour and if it will affect his forthcoming schedule. He is set to return to action at the Japan Open, which will get underway on September 30th.
“There are plenty of big tournaments ahead. Rankings-wise, plenty of points to defend for me and try to withhold that ranking No. 1.” Djokovic outlined.
“Obviously Rafa has been playing well and Roger and the other guys. I just hope I’ll get a chance to be competing, because once I’m healthy, I actually like my chances playing in Asia.”
As for Wawrinka, who won the US Open title back in 2016, he will play Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in the quarter-finals.
