He said he pulled out because of a shoulder injury.
With that,a bronze medal fell into Barty and Peers’ lap and Djokovic was the world No.1 who left Tokyo with nothing.
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Djokovic - with the Australian Open,French Open and Wimbledon already in his pocket for 2021 -surprisingly lost in the semi-finals of the Olympic singles to Alexander Zverev,and then lost the singles bronze match to Busta 6-4,6-7 (6-8),6-3. Another shock.
Djokovic said it was important to him that he fought in the bronze medal singles match until he had nothing left.
“It’s part of the DNA as professional athletes. It’s a given that you must always give your very last source of energy that you have left,” he said.
“I’ve done that,the result wasn’t great,but I’m at least pleased with the effort I’ve given on the court.