Stefanos Tsitsipas has retired with an harm after three video games of his second match on the ATP Finals, handing Holger Rune the victory.
Tsitsipas, the 2019 champion, was trailing 2-1 within the opening set when he had a prolonged dialog together with his coach earlier than slowly attending to his ft, shaking his head and strolling over to shake Rune’s hand.
That was after simply 17 minutes of play and led to a refrain of jeers and whistles from the disillusioned crowd in Turin — which as an alternative needed to accept an exhibition match between alternates Taylor Fritz and Hubert Hurkacz.
Tsitsipas, who misplaced to house favorite Jannik Sinner 6-4 6-4 on Sunday, had minimize quick a apply session on Friday resulting from an obvious bodily challenge however the Greek participant mentioned then he was “absolutely fine.”
Speaking at a press convention later, Tsitsipas revealed he has been combating a again downside and is withdrawing from the event, with Hurkacz set to take his place.
“My apologies to all the fans and the crowd that came to support me today and watch the match,” he mentioned.
“I’m really gutted that I wasn’t able to finish the match. It’s a shame also not to give that spot to someone else to at least try and do something with it. My doctors and the countless visits that I had in the last few days suggested that I play, gave me the green light to go and try it for myself.
“Unfortunately, I felt horrible on the court docket. I did what I might do in the very best approach to be prepared and match for this match, however it did not work out for me. It kills me not to have the ability to end this event, the one which I’ve prepped for for therefore lengthy.”
It counts as a first victory at the tournament for 20-year-old Rune, who was edged out by Novak Djokovic in his opening match.
“It was very unlucky,” said Rune. “I feel we might all see in his first service sport that he wasn’t serving anyplace close to full.
“For sure I knew something was up. We play a long season and it’s important to take care of the body. I wish him all the best.”
with PA
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
