Djokovic Apologises After Long Battle, Praises Fritz in Riyadh

In a physically exhausting encounter, Novak Djokovic had to retire in the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, leaving Taylor Fritz to take the third place. The American number 4 in the world won a marathon first set 7-6, after a battle that lasted 75 minutes with the 24 time Grand Slam champion, only to have Djokovic decide that he was not able to finish the match with an injury in his left leg.

It was an exciting game that was a challenge of power and will. Players served both halves in the six initial games, and Djokovic turned down nine attempts of break respectively in the set. The 11 th match on its own took 16 minutes, and Djokovic defeated six break points, which reflects his tremendous resilience. Meanwhile, Fritz saved several set point at 4-5 on his serve and was able to prolong the set. However, in the end, the tiebreak 7-4 was in favor of Fritz, and Djokovic took the hard choice to retire.

I am sorry, I am just not great, I want to apologise to everybody, said Djokovic. It was among the longest sets that I have ever played. Well done Taylor, a fantastic fight. I was astonished to come back to Riyadh and I of course hope to be back next year provided the fans desire me here.

Fritz had confessed that the encounter was very demanding. It was physical all right, he said. Long rallies, long games, and the necessity to struggle in order to win each point make all this slower and more exhausting. The circumstances made it savage indeed.

This loss was immediately after Djokovic lost to Jannik Sinner in the straight sets in semi-finals on Thursday. Nevertheless, Djokovic still has a good season as he has already secured his spot in the ATP Finals in Turin. Through this, he matched the record of Roger Federer where he made his 18th appearance at the end of the year tournament. Later this season, Djokovic is also contracted to participate in the ATP 250 in Athens.

It is time to rest and go on addressing some of the problems I have with my body, Djokovic said. Then hopefully I would be able to play the final few tournaments of the season. Let’s see how it goes.”

The victory of Fritz over Djokovic was a great step forward because he had not defeated the Serbian in 11 prior encounters. Fritz finishes in the third place in Riyadh, an event that gives the athlete a good note to leave the Six Kings Slam, but Djokovic concentrates on rest and the remaining tournaments of the season.

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