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Djokovic Stojanovic Olympics 2021
ATP Tennis Players, Novak Djokovic, Tennis News

Novak Djokovic withdrawal ‘heartbreaking’ for Serbian partner, says expert


The withdrawal of Novak Djokovic from the mixed doubles bronze medal match is ‘heartbreaking’ for Serbian star Nina Stojanovic, says Annabel Croft.

Novak Djokovic was set to compete alongside Stojanovic against Australian pairing Ash Barty and John Peers, before the world number one withdrew due to a left shoulder injury.

The Serbian star had lost a brutal three hour bronze medal match against Pablo Carreno Busta just an hour before he was due on court with Stojanovic, though Croft is ‘surprised’ by his withdrawal.

“I’m really surprised. I mean that was a very brutal tennis match, he was on court for nearly three hours, but there wasn’t any particular sign that there was any issue there,” said Croft on Eurosport.

“Obviously his partner [Nina] Stojanovic, this is heart-breaking for her because she would have done anything to play this match and potentially for her own personal glory.

“Going for a medal would have been something really special for her. As it stands then, [Ashleigh] Barty and [John] Peers will take that bronze medal.

“I’m just waiting to see what the statement is from Djokovic because as we said he’s in a bad place emotionally I’m sure, because he didn’t get the gold medal, he hasn’t now got the bronze medal, who knows where his body is at. But I would just say it’s a heartbreak for his partner.”

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.