Daniil Medvedev had to withdraw from his semi-final match at the Astana Open when facing Novak Djokovic.
The Russian tennis player surprised both in-person and television viewers by withdrawing from a match that was being intense and in which each had won a set.
As soon as Djokovic won the second set, Medvedev immediately announced that could not continue the gamegenerating surprise in the audience and in himself Djokovic.
In a subsequent press conference, the Russian explained the sensations he had in his leg and that led him to opt for withdrawal.
«It is the second time in my life that I have to retire due to a muscular problem»Medvedev explained. «During the second point of the tie break, I noticed a strange sensation in my adductor. At first I thought it would be a cramp. At the end of the point I said to myself: ‘No, it probably isn’t.
Former world number one He hinted that the injury might not be so bad, but that the reason for his decision was in order not to make things worse.
“During the tie break I felt like I could play five or 10 more points, but that was it. I could have competed for one more set, but at the risk of missing half a season instead of a month.
In this way, Medvedev was hindered his goal of getting his second title of the season. It is worth mentioning that in Astana He had shown a great level and, until before the tiebreak against Djokovic, he had not given up a single set.
«I couldn’t tell if it’s fair.” Medvedev indicated assessing his withdrawal. “If I won I couldn’t play in the final. My thought was ‘okay, I’ll try to land some shots’. If I managed to win, I couldn’t do much, I’ll have to retire. If I lose, I congratulate Djokovic because he is still in good shape. I wish him good luck in the final.”