Del Potro used his lethal forehand to stun the Serb with a powerful display to win 7-6 (4) 7-6 (2) in the biggest upset of the tennis tournament.
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Del Potro’s second round opponent will be Joao Sousa of Portugal. This medal was his dream, and now he should be very patient and try again in 2020 in Tokyo when he’ll be 33. He was all over the court, rifling shots past Djokovic.
‘No doubt it is one of the toughest losses in my life and in my career,’ said a visibly emotional Novak Djokovic after losing in the first round to Juan Martin del Potro at the Rio Games.
It was a raucous atmosphere in the last match of the night on center court, where Argentine fans chanted for del Potro and Brazilians would try to drown out their rivals with cheers for Djokovic.
“But, you know, you have to deal with it”.
Novak Djokovic had high hopes that he would win an Olympic gold medal in Rio de Janeiro this year, but his hopes were completed dashed on Sunday.
The last time Djokovic was bounced in the first round of a Grand Slam was more than 10 years ago in the 2006 Australian Open.
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“Delpo was a better player than me”, Djokovic said.
A gracious Djokovic said: “In decisive moments, he just came up with some extraordinary tennis”.
The Serbian refused to comment on his fitness and health following his shock early exit at Wimbledon earlier in the summer, but he still went ahead and competed in Rio. However, between del Poto’s mean serve and 41 winners, his excellent display shined through as he came out the victor in straight sets. Several long rallies later, del Potro emerged the victor, winning 7 (7)-6 (3).
That still resulted in a title in Toronto, but it was an unconvincing one, and he was there for the taking, especially for a red-hot Del Potro.
After winning the match, Del Porto was seen crying as he cannot believe he dumped a player like Novak. I’m surprised with the level I showed.
Novak Djokovic says his defeat to Juan Martin del Potro in the first round of the Olympics is one of his hardest to take.
But Serena said: “I wouldn’t say it’s devastating. we had a chance to compete for our country, we did the best that we can”.
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“If this was not the Olympic Games I would not be here competing because I need to have more rehab”, Nadal makes reference to his wrist injury after easing past Federico Delbonis. “Amazing, fantastic match for me, my forehand worked great”. “If it’s going out, maybe I’m hitting it a little bit too flat”.
