Alex de Minaur chokes up and apologizes straight after heartbreaking Novak Djokovic loss
Alex De Minaur issued an emotional apology after being forced to retire through injury in the final of the China Open against Novak Djokovic. De Minaur lost the first set on a tie break in Beijing and went on to win the opening game of the second set. Djokovic claimed a 7-6 win in the first set, before De Minaur headed off the court to receive treatment, and returned to serve in the first game of the second set, which the Australian managed to win. However, De Minaur was unable to continue any further and approached the net to concede defeat to Djokovic, and went on to give an emotional apology to the crowd.
“To my team, the people that are here and the people back home, thank you for all the support.
“It’s been a great week and I’m sure there’s plenty more to come. To everyone who made this amazing tournament possible, would love to come back so thank you all and hopefully see you next year.”
As De Minaur issued his apology, the crowd in Beijing cheered in support of the Australian, who looked visibly upset as he sat in his chair mere minutes after retiring from the match.
The exact reason for De Minaur’s retirement from the China Open final remains unclear, with the 27-year-old not offering any update in the post-match interview he gave on the court. Sky Sports commentators speculated that he looked uncomfortable landing after serving.
Djokovic, meanwhile, has now won the China Open seven times across his career and boasts an impressive 34-0 record in the tournament.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion also had a message for De Minaur after lifting the trophy in Beijing.
“It was rude for me not to start with Alex and his team,” Djokovic said. “I’m really sorry for the way it has finished today. I really hope you can recover quickly. All the best for this year and the years to come.
