Follow us on Google Discover Novak Djokovic fell short of a winning end to his Six Kings Slam tournament after retiring against Taylor Fritz.
Fritz took the first set against Djokovic in their third place playoff at the Six Kings Slam, battling hard to a 7-6(7-4) win.
But the Serbian decided enough was enough at that stage of the match, retiring against the American immediately after losing the first set.
The veteran received a bye into the semifinals of the Six Kings Slam, where Djokovic lost to Jannik Sinner, the defending champion.
Fritz meanwhile defeated Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals before losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the semis.
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty ImagesNovak Djokovic issues apology after retiring vs Taylor Fritz at the Six Kings Slam
The American then ended his week on a high with a hard-fought victory over Djokovic, albeit in somewhat fortuitous circumstances given his opponent’s withdrawal.
Asked on court after the match how he was doing, the 38-year-old replied: “Not great. I want to apologize to everybody. Sorry guys. Sorry you couldn’t see the second set.
“But credit to Taylor. We had some incredible games towards the end of that set, and it was one of the longest sets I ever played, to be honest.
“So anyway, it was an amazing visit to Riyadh for me once again, I want to thank everybody for really welcoming me here.
“This is the third time that I’m here in three years and hopefully, if I keep on going next year I’ll be back, if you guys want me here.”
Novak Djokovic shares his plans for the rest of the year after Six Kings Slam retirement
Despite his struggles on the court, Djokovic clearly plans to return next year, although it remains to be seen how his body will be feeling by that stage.
For now, the veteran plans to recover, having said of his plans for the rest of the year: “Well now it’s rest and really addressing some of the issues I have with my body. And then hopefully playing the last couple of tournaments of the season, let’s see.”
There is indeed the small matter of the ATP Finals potentially still to come for Djokovic between now and the end of the year.
He has joined Alcaraz and Sinner in qualifying for the tournament, which takes place in Torino next month.
Djokovic also qualified for the year-end event last time out, but decided not to play due to his injury issues back then.
He’s now qualified for the ATP Finals a stunning 18 times, having lifted the trophy on seven occasions, more than any other player.