Share

Djokovic retires from Wimbledon quarter-final

London - Novak Djokovic said a right elbow injury was to blame for his retirement from Wednesday's Wimbledon quarter-final against Tomas Berdych.

Djokovic needed treatment on his elbow at the end of the first set and was already dealing with a long-term right shoulder problem.

The three-time Wimbledon champion, who would have regained the world number one ranking if he had won the tournament, was trailing 7-6 (7/2), 2-0 when he called it quits on Court One.

Czech world number 15 Berdych, the 2010 Wimbledon runner-up, goes on to face seven-time champion Roger Federer for a place in Sunday's final.

"It's my elbow. It's been bothering me for a year and a half. It's unfortunate I have to finish Wimbledon like this," said Djokovic after his first Grand Slam retirement since the 2009 Australian Open quarter-finals.

"I started feeling it at the beginning of the tournament. The level of pain was always increasing and today was the worst day.

"I tried what I could do to get it in condition to be able to play.

"All the treatments couldn't really help. The serve and forehand were the shots I could feel it most."

Djokovic was especially frustrated to have had to pull out with an injury after complaining bitterly that Wimbledon organisers should have allowed his last 16 match to be played on Monday evening instead of Tuesday morning.

The 12-time Grand Slam champion had to face Adrian Mannarino a day later than scheduled due to the late finish of Rafael Nadal's defeat against Gilles Muller.

Djokovic had needed treatment on his shoulder during his victory over Mannarino.

"Those kinds of circumstances don't really help. This is the kind of situation you have to accept and try to make the most out of it," Djokovic said.

"I spent about two hours on the treatment table in between the warm-up and the match to make me fit.

"It wasn't to be. For an athlete in an individual sport, there is no way out when you are injured.

"I will have to take some time and see what needs to be done. I guess a break is something I will have to consider right now."

The 30-year-old Serb had held a 25-2 career record over Berdych and hadn't lost to the Czech in four years.

But instead of extending that streak, the world number four will leave London nursing his injury and his pride as the worst period of his career shows no sign of improving.

Since winning the French Open last year to complete his career Grand Slam, Djokovic has failed to win another major title.

He crashed out of the Australian Open in the second round and the French Open in the quarter-finals.

With world number one Andy Murray crashing out against Sam Querrey earlier on Wednesday, Djokovic walked onto Court One knowing he would regain top spot in the rankings if he won Wimbledon for a fourth time.

But if that should have served as extra motivation for Djokovic, there were immediate signs that his fitness was a problem when a sloppy tie-break cost him the first set.

The Serb called for a medical timeout after the first set to have his right elbow massaged by a physio.

But Berdych seized the chance to add to Djokovic's woes with a break in the second game of the second set.

That was the signal for Djokovic to trudge forlornly to the net to withdraw from the match.

Wimbledon results on Wednesday, the ninth day of the 2017 championships at the All England Club (x denotes seeding):

Men

Quarter-finals

Sam Querrey (USA x24) bt Andy Murray (GBR x1) 3-6, 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 6-1, 6-1

Marin Cilic (CRO x7) bt Gilles Muller (LUX x16) 3-6, 7-6 (8/6), 7-5, 5-7, 6-1

Roger Federer (SUI x3) bt Milos Raonic (CAN x6) 6-4, 6-2, 7-6 (7/4)

Tomas Berdych (CZE x11) bt Novak Djokovic (SRB x2) 7-6 (7/2), 2-0 - retired

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE