In a devastating turn of events for tennis fans, Australian tennis star Alex de Minaur has been forced to withdraw from his highly anticipated Wimbledon quarter-final match against Novak Djokovic. The decision came after De Minaur sustained a “freak” hip injury that posed a significant risk of worsening if he continued to play.
De Minaur announced his withdrawal at an impromptu media conference held just hours before he was scheduled to take on the 24-time Grand Slam champion on Centre Court. The injury occurred during a last-minute practice session, where De Minaur attempted to test his ability to play despite the pain.
The injury, a tear high on his right hip near his abdomen, was confirmed by a scan conducted on Tuesday. De Minaur initially hurt his hip while sliding to hit a forehand on the first of his two match points against Arthur Fils on Monday. Despite his efforts to recover in time, the severity of the injury left him with no choice but to withdraw from the tournament.
De Minaur expressed his disappointment, stating, “This is one of the toughest decisions I’ve had to make in my career. Playing at Wimbledon and competing against the best in the world is always a dream, but my health must come first.”
The withdrawal is a significant blow for the 24-year-old, who has been in exceptional form this season. His performance at Wimbledon had been impressive, and the match against Djokovic was eagerly anticipated by tennis enthusiasts worldwide.
Djokovic, who was set to face De Minaur, expressed his sympathy for the Australian. “It’s always unfortunate when a player has to withdraw due to injury. I wish Alex a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on the court soon,” said Djokovic.
De Minaur’s decision to prioritize his long-term health over immediate competition is a testament to his professionalism and dedication to the sport. Fans and fellow players alike are hopeful for his swift recovery and return to the court.
As Wimbledon continues, the focus now shifts to how the tournament will unfold in De Minaur’s absence. Despite the setback, De Minaur’s resilience and sportsmanship remain an inspiration to many, and his journey will undoubtedly continue with the support of his fans and the tennis community.