Lob and Smash
Fansided

Novak Djokovic displays sportsmanship in AusOpen loss

By Harry Floyd

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 22: Novak Djokovic of Serbia congratulates Hyeon Chung of South Korea after losing their fourth round match on day eight of the 2018 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 22, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 22: Novak Djokovic of Serbia congratulates Hyeon Chung of South Korea after losing their fourth round match on day eight of the 2018 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 22, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Novak Djokovic displays sportsmanship in his fourth round Australian Open loss. The Serbian superstar extends his congratulations to Hyeon Chung.

Novak Djokovic could be facing an uphill battle with his ongoing elbow injury. The Serbian appeared to suffer due to the injury after the first set of his fourth round match at the Australian Open. Winning the match in straight sets is young up and comer Hyeon Chung.

Taking down the six-time Australian Open champion is without a doubt a career highlight for the young South Korean tennis player. He is starting to make a name for himself on tour. Djokovic, being the sportsman that he is, extended his congratulations to Chung after the match and then later via social media.

Saying that Chung deserved the win and crediting him on a fantastic performance, Djokovic offered kind words via his social media outlets on Monday. The unseeded South Korean wins his meeting with Djokovic in straight sets, going 7-6 (4), 7-4, 7-6 (3).

https://www.instagram.com/p/BeQV2sWD5v3/?taken-by=djokernole

The news of Nole’s elbow injury came after the match. He is looking to reassess the situation regarding his ongoing injury. The elbow has been an issue for the large part of the past year, forcing him from the ATP World Tour since Wimbledon 2017. His injury update comes just weeks after former world No. 1 Andy Murray is also stepping away from the courts in order to address his hip. The British No. 1 underwent surgery just prior to play at the Australian Open and is expected to miss several months. He hopes to return by Wimbledon this year.

Elsewhere at the Australian Open, top seeds Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer remain alive.

Federer is the defending champion at Melbourne Park. He hopes to take the men’s singles title for the sixth time in his career. As for Chung, he faces unseeded American Tennys Sandgren. Both players are unlikely contenders for the title but could relish in their underdog roles moving forward. Either way, one will reach the semifinals at Melbourne Park later this week.

Next: Top 10: Men's Singles Tennis

Look for Novak Djokovic to provide updates on his elbow injury in the coming days. He is meeting with his team, doctors, and those in his inner circle in order to explore options moving forward. Action continues at the 2018 Australian Open as players such as Chung attempt the ever-challenging Grand Slam title run.

Home/ATP