Novak Djokovic Apologizes to Saudi Fans Following Six Kings Slam Decision
Novak Djokovic recently drew attention for his unexpected withdrawal from the third-place playoff match against Taylor Fritz at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. After one intense set, Djokovic decided to retire, which left spectators and commentators surprised.
Match Summary and Result
Fritz emerged as the winner with a score of 7-6 after a grueling set lasting about 76 minutes. Djokovic’s sudden exit raised eyebrows, especially as he was experiencing physical challenges on the court.
Apologies to Fans
Following his withdrawal, Djokovic took a moment to address the audience. He expressed regret for not being able to continue the match, stating, “I want to apologize to everybody, sorry guys, I’m sorry you couldn’t see the second set.” He acknowledged the support from the Saudi fans and hinted at a potential return next year.
Future Plans and Physical Challenges
Djokovic mentioned he plans to address his ongoing physical issues and hopes to compete in a few more tournaments this season, possibly in Turin. He remarked on how exhilarating it was to play in Riyadh again, emphasizing the warm welcome he received during his three visits over the past three years.
Comments from Taylor Fritz
- Fritz noted the physical toll of the match, stating, “What happens is you get into those really long games…”
- He reflected on the intensity of the set, mentioning the difficulty in securing points as conditions slowed down.
Looking Ahead
After the match, Fritz expressed admiration for competing against Djokovic, highlighting the significance of playing with tennis legends. He commented, “It’s amazing. It’s crazy, all these guys that I grew up watching dominate tennis.”
Final Showdown Anticipation
As for the final match between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, Fritz acknowledged the challenge posed by both players, expressing eagerness to see who would come out on top.
Djokovic’s withdrawal was not just a moment of disappointment but also highlighted the physical demands of professional tennis. As he looks to focus on recovery, fans remain hopeful for his return in the upcoming tournaments.
