Tennis: Djokovic retires to end unbeaten run

Novak Djokovic waves after withdrawing from this match against Feliciano Lopez. Photo: Reuters
Novak Djokovic waves after withdrawing from this match against Feliciano Lopez. Photo: Reuters

Novak Djokovic pulled out of his Dubai Championships quarterfinal after suffering an eye problem.

The world No 1 had lost the first set against Spain's Feliciano Lopez when he decided to retire, the day after achieving his 700th career win.

Djokovic had earlier been treated by his trainer during the first set, after having dropped his serve.

After losing his serve again to concede the set 6-3, making 18 unforced errors, he decided not to continue, denying him the chance of reaching an 18th successive ATP Tour final.

The Serb was not immediately available to explain his decision, but Lopez told the media that his opponent had suffered an eye infection.

Lopez now meets Marcos Baghdatis in the semifinals for the right to meet Nick Kyrgios or Stan Wawrinka in the final.

Add a Comment