Djokovic falls to Del Potro

The powerful Argentinian was able to spring a surprise on Sunday, beating Djokovic 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-2), with the aid of 41 winners.

Published : Aug 08, 2016 08:29 IST , Rio de Janeiro

Novak Djokovic is in tears after losing in the first round.
Novak Djokovic is in tears after losing in the first round.
lightbox-info

Novak Djokovic is in tears after losing in the first round.

World number one Novak Djokovic was dumped out of the men's singles tournament at Rio 2016 in the first round as Juan Martin Del Potro's resurgence continued.

Fit again after being badly hampered by wrist problems in recent years, Del Potro provided one of the feel-good stories of Wimbledon by knocking out fourth seed Stan Wawrinka in round two. And the powerful Argentinian was able to spring another surprise on Sunday, beating Djokovic 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-2), with the aid of 41 winners.

Del Potro had also triumphed over Djokovic in the bronze medal match at London 2012.

Following his latest setback, a visibly emotional Djokovic was moved to tears as he waved to fans on his exit from Centre Court. The Serbian, who could yet earn a medal in the doubles alongside veteran Nenad Zimonjic, battled hard but ultimately failed to find an answer to Del Potro's attacking prowess.

Neither player was able to break, yet it was perhaps telling that Del Potro earned seven chances to triumph on the Djokovic serve, while the favourite failed to get a look-in when returning.

Del Potro will move on to face Joao Sousa in round two on Tuesday.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment