Djokovic withdraws from Olympics, abandons mixed doubles match

 


Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the Tokyo Olympics, abandoning his mixed doubles bronze medal match.

He cited a left shoulder injury, moments after losing the singles bronze medal to Spaniard Pablo Carrena Busta.

He has therefore gifted Australia’s Ashleigh Barty and John Peers the bronze in the doubles without letting them sweat for it.

He has also let down his partner, Nina Stojanović.

Djokovic, the world No. 1 from Serbia, will now leave Tokyo empty-handed in what has proved a majorly disappointing Olympic Games.

Having won all three Grand Slams this year, Djokovic arrived in Japan as the major favourite to win the singles gold.

However, he was defeated in the semi-finals against Alexander Zverev on Friday.

On the same day, he and Stojanovic lost to Russian duo Aslan Karatsev and Elena Vesnina in the mixed doubles semi-final. 

In an interview on his loss to Zverev, Djokovic said he came to Tokyo emotionally exhausted.

“Look, I didn’t come here fresh, I came here exhausted emotionally, but very motivated and with a great desire to win a medal for my country”.

He has now abandoned the final effort to win at least a bronze for Serbia.