Novak Djokovic’s US Open title defence was brought to an abrupt halt by 2016 champion Stan Wawrinka on Sunday night, with the Serb forced to retire due to a shoulder injury after falling two sets and a break down against a Swiss in inspired mood.
The writing had appeared to be on the wall since the top seed required a length bout of treatment on his left shoulder in the second round against Juan Ignacio Londero but after negotiating his way through three rounds against weaker opposition, he finally came unstuck against a fellow multiple Grand Slam champion.
Wawrinka, who takes on Daniil Medvedev next, deserves great credit for his performance – his one-handed backhand was at its ferocious best and he served magnificently under early pressure – and his biggest win at a major since returning from knee surgery in 2018 was a moment well worth savouring. Read more