Juan Martin Del Potro has reproduced his heroics from London 2012 after stunning world No.1 Novak Djokovic 7-6(4), 7-2(2).
The clash between the two was a replay of the 2012 bronze medal play off (which Del Potro won) and was the most anticipated first round match in the Olympic tennis competition. Del Potro managed to live up to those expectations by closing out the match in impressive style. The Argentine didn’t face a single break point in his service games and produced 29 forehand winners.
Del Potro’s triumph has broken the heart of the world No.1, who was bidding to become the first Serbian man to win a gold medal since their independence. The pain of the loss was too much for Djokovic, who left the centre court in tears.
Dramatic sight in Rio. Djokovic in tears, utterly distraught after defeat to Del Potro https://t.co/Ssm2AsNC5c
— Oliver Brown (@oliverbrown_tel) 8 August 2016
It is not the first time this year that Djokovic has suffered a shock loss. At the Monte Carlo Open he was knocked out by Jiri Vesely and at Wimbledon he was outplayed by Sam Querrey. Nevertheless, the loss in Rio is a tough one for him.
“No doubt this is one of the toughest losses in my life and in my career,” a distraught Djokovic told reporters.
“It’s not easy to handle, especially now, just after the wounds are still fresh.”
Grabbing his first win over a world No.1 since 2013, Del Potro expressed shock and disbelief following his impressive display against Djokovic. He has now defeated a world No.1 player eight times in his career.
The ending of the match is perhaps what most fans will remember in the future. As a Del Potro forehand touched the top of the net and dropped in to give him the win, the two friends greeted each other at the net with a hug in a stunning display of Olympic sportsmanship. The display of emotions clearly indicated how much the four-year event means to both players.
In the second round Del Potro will play Portugal’s Joao Sousa. Sousa defeated Robin Haase 6-1, 7-5, in his opening match.
Shocks galore in the doubles
Djokovic’s exit from the singles competition wasn’t the only shock at Rio. There was also a duo of shocks in the doubles with two medal contenders going out. In the women’s section, the Williams sisters have suffered their first ever defeat at the Olympics. The three-time gold medallist lost 6-4, 6-3, to Czech pairing Lucie Safarova and Barbora Strycova.
“It was what it was. We have a chance to compete for our country and did the best that we can. We had a blast out there,” said 34-year-old Serena.
“I wouldn’t say it was devastating. It was a lot of fun and we will always remember these moments and these matches.
“At the end of the day, I think that’s what matters most.”
Due to the loss, world No.1 Serena has missed out on the chance of becoming the most decorated tennis player in Olympic history. She can still equal Kathleen McKane Godfree’s 1924 record of five medals if she wins a medal in the singles competition.
In the men’s doubles, second seeds Andy and Jamie Murray were upset by Brazil’s Andre Sa and Thomaz Bellucci 7-6(6), 7-6(12).
